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