Description
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed with fresh spinach and seasoned with garlic and onion powder, then combined with creamy full-fat cream cheese, chicken broth, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this one-dish meal is rich, flavorful, and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
Vegetables
- 5-6 cups fresh spinach
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté the Spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté it until wilted, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken breasts to the skillet along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth. Continue mixing until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and well combined, ensuring a creamy and cheesy base.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses on top of the mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and turned golden brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach if pressed for time—just thaw and squeeze excess water before sautéing.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control sodium levels in the dish.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
