Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for a cozy dinner. It combines tender chicken with fresh spinach and a rich cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Step 4: Spread the fresh spinach evenly over the chicken breasts. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top, spreading it to cover the spinach completely.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it with a fresh salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh garlic to the cream cheese mixture.
• You can substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if you want a different green.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier taste and a lighter option.
• Leftover casserole can be topped with extra cheese and baked again for a crispy finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use about 1 cup of frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained well. Make sure to remove as much excess moisture as possible to keep the casserole from becoming watery.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews

A creamy, cheesy spinach chicken casserole featuring tender chicken breasts layered with fresh spinach and a rich mixture of cream cheese and mozzarella. This comforting baked dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

Dairy and Cheese

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: 1/4 cup for mixture, 3/4 cup for topping)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the fresh spinach evenly over the chicken breasts. Then spoon and spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the spinach layer, ensuring the chicken and spinach are well covered.
5. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a flavorful, golden crust.
6. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a fresh salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.

Notes

• You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, lower-fat option.
• If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
• For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like basil or oregano to the cream cheese mixture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Ensure chicken breasts are uniform in thickness for even cooking; pound thinner if necessary.

Keywords: Spinach chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, mozzarella chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken with spinach