Irresistible Spinach Chicken Casserole Creamy Cheese Delight

Hey there, friend! 😊 I hope you’re ready to whip up something delicious in the kitchen today because I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorites: Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those cozy weeknights when you just want to unwind after a long day. I remember the first time I made this casserole – I had a bunch of spinach sitting in my fridge and a craving for something creamy and comforting. A quick search in my kitchen revealed some chicken, cream cheese, and mozzarella, and before I knew it, I was in love with this delightful concoction!

This casserole is not only incredibly easy to throw together, but it also offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Picture this: tender chicken, fresh spinach, luscious cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella all mingling together in a bubbly, golden masterpiece. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good inside and can turn a simple dinner into a memorable feast. Are you ready to get started? Let’s dive into this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner: Quick prep and just one dish to clean!
• Comforting flavors: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Healthy goodness: Loads of spinach and protein-packed chicken.
• Kid-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds!
• Budget-friendly: Affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for your Spinach Chicken Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (you can use frozen, but fresh is best!)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (make it even creamier by letting it sit out a bit)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (can’t go wrong with extra cheese!)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (for that extra flavor kick!)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (fresh garlic adds even more punch if you have it)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the casserole dish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get our casserole assembled! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish on the table in no time:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for that perfect golden top!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well blended. You might want to use a spatula or a fork; just be careful not to overmix.
3. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Scoop the chicken and spinach mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. If you’re feeling fancy, add breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch on the topping!
5. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil (this helps keep it moist), and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes.
6. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows everything to set nicely before you dig in!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about ways to have fun with this recipe!

• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little kick!
• Herb it up: Fresh or dried herbs like basil or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavors beautifully.
• Cheese lovers unite: Mix different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.
• Veggie added goodness: Throw in some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
• Diet variations: This casserole is easily adaptable for keto or low-carb diets by skipping the breadcrumbs and using cauliflower rice instead of chicken.

Serving Suggestions

The best part about this Spinach Chicken Casserole? It’s as versatile as it is delicious! Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal, or pair it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a side of roasted vegetables can add a beautiful balance to the meal. You could even enjoy it with a glass of your favorite white wine for a cozy dinner. Whatever you choose, your plate is sure to be a little slice of heaven!

Storage Tips

As much as we love a warm, fresh casserole, leftovers are just as delightful. Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Allow your casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick bite.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the excess water to prevent your casserole from becoming watery. Fresh spinach does give a wonderful texture and flavor, but the frozen stuff works in a pinch!

How can I make this casserole low-carb?

Great question! You can swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or simply omit them entirely. Additionally, consider using cauliflower rice as a base instead of chicken for a veggie-packed version.

What sides go well with this casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. It’s great on its own, but a bright side can really elevate the meal!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the casserole the night before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just allow extra cooking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a delightful Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella that’s sure to become a staple in your home! I’m so glad we could share this cooking experience together. I can’t wait to hear how your casserole turns out! Feel free to drop a comment below or share your favorite variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite! 🥰

Irresistible Spinach Chicken Casserole Creamy Cheese Delight

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this Spinach Chicken Casserole recipe featuring luscious cream cheese mozzarella A creamy flavorpacked dish perfect for any meal 155 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the casserole dish)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.

Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray and fill it with the mixture, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top. Add breadcrumbs if desired.

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• minutes: 15
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 calories
• Sugar: 6 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g

Keywords: spinach, chicken, casserole, cream cheese, mozzarella, easy recipes, dinner