Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
