Description

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy and comforting baked dish featuring shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses. It’s perfect for a hearty family meal, combining the rich flavors of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan with aromatic sautéed onions and garlic, all baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oils

1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 tbsp melted butter (for greasing)

Optional

1 cup cooked rice (optional, for added texture)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish thoroughly with melted butter to prevent sticking and add a subtle buttery flavor.
Sauté Onion & Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Cook Spinach: Stir the chopped spinach into the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender. Remove skillet from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Mix Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and optional cooked rice to the creamy sauce. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
Bake Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top if desired. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute rotisserie chicken with any leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
For a gluten-free version, ensure all seasonings and cheeses are certified gluten-free.
If you want a lower-fat option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
The cooked rice is optional but adds a nice texture and helps extend the casserole.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and also freeze well for longer storage.
Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.