Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole

Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 medium onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz (283g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (118ml) heavy cream
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz (227g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions:

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté in olive oil until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Set aside.
• In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add squeezed spinach to the skillet and cook for a minute or two to dry out slightly.
• Melt butter in the skillet. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (this is a roux!). Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Gently fold in the cooked chicken and spinach into the cream sauce.
• Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if using) evenly over the top. Sprinkle with panko if using.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:25g

Fiber:15g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge? Me too! That’s when this Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream comes to the rescue. It’s creamy, comforting, and honestly, it's pure cheesy goodness.

Brief Overview

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake is a modern take on a classic casserole. I think it's from the US originally.

It's a simple Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe that takes about an hour from start to finish. This recipe yields six servings.

It's perfect for Simple Family Meals during a busy week.

Main Benefits

This casserole is packed with protein and hidden veggies. It makes a great Weeknight Chicken Dinner . What makes this recipe special is the rich creamy sauce.

A Comfort Food Casserole always makes me feel good.

Ready for some cheesy comfort? Let's talk ingredients! First, you're going to need chicken. For this recipe, i like to buy skinless chicken breasts.

Sometime i will buy chicken thighs, since they have so much flavor.

It is a dish of Spinach and Chicken Gratin topped with mozzarella.

Have you ever tried a Chicken Casserole With Cream Cheese ? It's a game changer!

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear, Mate!

Right then, fancy whipping up a Spinach Chicken Casserole ? Awesome! Let's run through what you'll need. This comfort food casserole is easier than you think.

I'm telling you, this will be your next favourite Simple Family Meals dish!

Main Ingredients for Your Masterpiece

First up, the stars of our show. I am obsessed with this Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake .

• Chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) , cubed. Look for plump, pink chicken, not pale or slimy. The fresher, the better.
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup )
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced
• Frozen chopped spinach: 10 oz (283g) , thawed and squeezed DRY. This bit is crucial . Nobody wants a soggy casserole! Honestly, squeeze it like you mean it.
• Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
• All-purpose flour: 4 tbsp
• Chicken broth: 2 cups (473ml)
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (118ml) . Don't skimp here, it's what makes it creamy!
• Cream cheese: 4 oz (113g) , softened. Full-fat for the win. This Chicken Casserole With Cream Cheese is the bomb.
• Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
• Shredded mozzarella: 8 oz (227g)
• Grated Parmesan (optional): 1/4 cup
• Panko breadcrumbs (optional): 1/4 cup . Gives it a lovely crunch.

Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up!

Okay, so these seasonings are key. A bit of garlic powder gives the chicken a subtle background flavour. Nutmeg in the creamy sauce is essential.

Trust me! It adds a warmth that's just perfect. Don't have nutmeg? A pinch of mace or allspice will do in a pinch.

It's all about creating that delicious flavour in this Chicken Casserole .

Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple

Right, onto the tools. This Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe doesn't need fancy gear. These are your essentials:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
• 9x13 inch baking dish .
• Large bowl. For mixing everything.
• Cheese grater.

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large skillet will do just fine. No need to stress! It is a Casserole With Cream Cheese , not a Michelin star meal. You’ve got this!

Oh, and a little tip from my grandma. She always said, "A little love in the cooking goes a long way!" So get your groove on, and let’s get cooking this Weeknight Chicken Dinner ! Let's make this amazing Spinach and Chicken Gratin !

Creamy Spinach & Chicken Casserole: Comfort Food Classic

Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? It's the perfect simple family meal after a long day. This Spinach Chicken Casserole is my go-to.

It's like a warm hug in a dish. I have made this so many times when I am short on time.

My whole family loves this Comfort Food Casserole.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, mise en place , folks. Chop your onion (about 1 cup). Mince those 2 garlic cloves. Squeeze the life out of that 10 oz frozen spinach.

Thawing it is essential! Seriously, squeeze it dry. Nobody wants a watery casserole. Pre-cut 1.5 lbs of chicken breast in 1-inch cubes.

This will make it easier to cook and save time. Now, that's your essential mise en place!

The Easy-Peasy Cooking Method

This easy chicken casserole recipe is dead simple.

1. Season your chicken with 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder.
2. Sauté the chicken in 1 tbsp of olive oil until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Set it aside.
3. Sauté 1 cup of chopped onion in the same pan. Then add your 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in that squeezed spinach. Get rid of all that extra moisture.
5. Make your cream sauce. Melt 4 tbsp of butter. Whisk in 4 tbsp of flour. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Gently fold in the chicken and spinach.
7. Pour everything into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Top with 8 oz of mozzarella. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes. The cheese should be golden brown.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Chicken Casserole With Cream Cheese

Don't overcook the chicken. It will get dry. Trust me, nobody likes dry chicken. Softened cream cheese is your friend.

It blends in way better. This also helps prevent lumps. It's all about the texture, isn't it? This Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake is amazing and easy to make in less than 1 hour.

You can also add panko on top. If you want a little crunch, 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs is the way to go!

Alright, let's dive into some extra notes for our Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream . These tips will make this Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe even more of a winner.

Honestly, sometimes the small stuff makes all the difference. I learned that from my nan, you know?

Recipe Nuggets: Winning at Spinach Chicken Casserole

Serving It Up Right

Presentation matters, doesn’t it? For plating, think rustic charm. Serve this Comfort Food Casserole straight from the baking dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens everything up.

You can also try a dollop of sour cream on each portion.

As for sides? Oh my gosh, I love a good side! Steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon is classic.

Fluffy mashed potatoes work wonders, too. Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine, or a refreshing iced tea.

These Simple Family Meals deserve simple elegance.

Storing Like a Pro

Got leftovers? No worries! This Chicken Casserole With Cream Cheese keeps well. For refrigeration, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days .

Freezing is an option, too. Just let it cool completely first, then wrap it tightly. It'll last up to 2 months .

To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, about 20 minutes .

Microwaving also works in a pinch. Just be sure to cover it to prevent splatters.

Mix It Up! (Because Why Not?)

Want to tweak it a bit? Of course! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour in the sauce. Works like a charm! If you're watching your dairy, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

The taste is surprisingly similar.

If you're feeling seasonal, add some roasted butternut squash in the fall. It pairs perfectly with the Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake .

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, let's talk numbers. Each serving of this Spinach Chicken Casserole clocks in around 450 calories . It's packed with protein from the chicken.

Plus, spinach gives you a good dose of vitamins. Remember, this is just an estimate!

It's a good source of vitamins, too. It's not health food, you know? But it's got some good stuff in it! The protein from the Dinner Recipes Chicken will help keep you full, and the spinach adds some much-needed vitamins.

So, there you have it! This Spinach and Chicken Gratin is pretty versatile. Have fun experimenting. This Weeknight Chicken Dinner is a winner.

Don't be afraid to put your own spin on it. I have no doubt this Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe will become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine.

Happy cooking!