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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

  • Author: Demi
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if served with gluten free sides)

Description

This chicken and spinach casserole with cream cheese is the kind of weeknight comfort that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Tender bites of chicken are tucked into a creamy garlic spinach sauce, then finished with a blanket of golden, bubbling mozzarella. The cream cheese adds luscious richness, while a splash of lemon keeps every bite bright and balanced. It is simple enough for busy evenings, yet special and cozy enough to serve when you are hosting just add something to soak up that silky sauce and dinner is done.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1 : Prep the oven and pan
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray and set aside.
  2. Step 2 : Brown the chicken
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer.
  3. Step 3 : Sear and transfer
    Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on the outside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
  4. Step 4 : Sauté the onion
    In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened and translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  5. Step 5 : Add garlic and spices
    Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom.
  6. Step 6 : Wilt the spinach
    Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, just until the spinach wilts down. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
  7. Step 7 : Make the creamy base
    In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese cubes, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir until mostly smooth; a few small pieces of cream cheese are fine and will melt in the oven.
  8. Step 8 : Combine with spinach mixture
    Fold the warm spinach and onion mixture into the cream cheese mixture until everything is evenly combined into a rich, creamy sauce.
  9. Step 9 : Assemble the casserole
    Pour the creamy spinach mixture over the chicken in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out so all of the chicken is completely covered in sauce.
  10. Step 10 : Add the cheesy topping
    Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a generous, even layer of cheese.
  11. Step 11 : Bake until bubbly
    Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges, the cheese is melted and lightly golden, and the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C in the thickest pieces).
  12. Step 12 : Rest and garnish
    Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley before serving.
  13. Step 13 : Serve
    Serve warm over rice or pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic spinach sauce.

Notes

  • Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite sized pieces so they cook at the same rate and stay tender.
  • Softening the cream cheese to room temperature makes it much easier to stir into a smooth sauce.
  • If you prefer a looser sauce for serving over pasta, stir in an extra splash of warm chicken broth after baking.
  • Season gradually; the Parmesan and broth both add salt, so taste the sauce before adding more.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the sauce set slightly so portions hold together nicely.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/4 of casserole)
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 155 mg

Keywords: chicken and spinach casserole with cream cheese, creamy garlic chicken bake, cheesy spinach chicken casserole, baked chicken with cream cheese, weeknight chicken casserole

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Find it online: https://www.demirecipes.com/chicken-and-spinach-casserole-with-cream-cheese/