Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are combined with flavorful spinach and cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s simple to prepare but feels special enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four cutlets. Pound the thicker ends with a rolling pin to even out the thickness.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, toss to coat, then cover and chill in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the wilted spinach, ½ cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if using. Mix until well combined.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. For extra flavor, sear the chicken in the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
7. Step 7: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a mild spicy kick.
• Substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or provolone for a different cheese flavor.
• Serve over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway for even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay moist during baking. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer.

Do I have to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing is optional but recommended for extra flavor and color. If short on time, you can bake the chicken directly after marinating.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

This creamy and comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole combines tender chicken breasts with a savory blend of cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella. A simple marinade enhances the flavor, while a quick skillet sauté softens the spinach before the dish is baked to cheesy perfection. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep, this casserole offers a balanced and delicious way to enjoy protein and greens in one easy bake.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade and Meat

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Spinach and Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (1/2 cup for mixture, 1/2 cup for topping)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the thicker ends so all cutlets are even in thickness, ensuring uniform cooking.
3. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cutlets to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to infuse flavor.
4. Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach, stirring frequently, and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the wilted spinach along with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese if using, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
6. Cook and Assemble Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Optionally, sear the chicken cutlets in the skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side to develop a light crust and enhanced flavor. Arrange the cutlets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
7. Add Topping and Bake: Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken cutlets. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute. Enjoy this creamy and satisfying chicken casserole warm.

Notes

• Optional Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
• Pounding the chicken cutlets to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly without drying out.
• Searing the chicken before baking is optional but adds extra flavor and a nice texture contrast.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken dish, cheesy chicken casserole, healthy chicken recipe