Name: Chicken Spinach Casserole: Delicious Recipe & Easy Instructions
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular); 2 tbsp melted butter

Chicken Spinach Casserole: the ultimate comfort food that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make! Imagine tender pieces of chicken nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce, studded with vibrant spinach, all baked to golden perfection. Are you ready to experience a dish that will warm you from the inside out?

Casseroles, in general, have a long and storied history, evolving from simple peasant dishes designed to use up leftovers to the sophisticated and diverse creations we enjoy today. While the exact origins of Chicken Spinach Casserole are a bit murky, its popularity likely stems from its versatility and the ease with which it can be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs. It's a dish that speaks to resourcefulness and the desire for a hearty, home-cooked meal.

People adore this casserole for so many reasons. The creamy texture is incredibly comforting, and the combination of chicken and spinach provides a wonderful balance of flavors and nutrients. It's also a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Plus, who can resist that golden, bubbly cheese topping? Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a simple way to incorporate more greens into your diet, this Chicken Spinach Casserole is guaranteed to be a winner!

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)
2 tbsp melted butter

Preparing the Chicken and Spinach Mixture

First, let's get our chicken ready. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your cubes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. We want the chicken to be cooked completely, so no pink remains inside.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl. Don't worry about cleaning the skillet just yet; we'll use it again for the next step.
Now, let's work on the aromatic base of our casserole. In the same skillet, add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. We want the onions to become translucent and slightly sweet.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic and onions is a great start to this casserole!
Next, it's time to add the spinach. Make sure your thawed spinach is squeezed dry to remove excess moisture. This is crucial to prevent a watery casserole. Add the squeezed spinach to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is heated through.
Now, we're going to create the creamy base. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix well until smooth and creamy. I find it easiest to use an electric mixer for this step, but you can also do it by hand with a little elbow grease.
Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir to combine. These spices will add a lovely depth of flavor to our casserole.
Add the cooked chicken and the spinach mixture to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure the chicken and spinach are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. This will be our creamy sauce that will bind everything together.
Pour the cream of chicken soup mixture over the chicken and spinach mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently to combine. We want to ensure that all the ingredients are coated in the creamy sauce.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking our casserole to ensure it's cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. We're saving the remaining 1/4 cup for later.
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter. This will create a golden and crispy topping for our casserole.
Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the mozzarella cheese.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the bread crumbs. This will add an extra layer of cheesy goodness to the topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread crumbs are golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the bread crumbs from burning.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to slice.

Tips and Variations

Adding Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables to this casserole. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.

Using Different Cheeses

Experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor of your casserole. Cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese would all be great alternatives to mozzarella.

Making it Spicy

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken and spinach mixture.

Using Fresh Spinach

If you prefer to use fresh spinach, you'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Wash and chop the spinach before adding it to the skillet. Cook it until it wilts, then squeeze out the excess moisture.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake it, simply add a few minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Instructions

This casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Spinach Casserole is delicious served on its own as a main course. It also pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or rice.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
Protein: 30-40g
Fat: 25-35g
Carbohydrates: 15-25g

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Chicken Spinach Casserole! I hope this recipe becomes a family favorite.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Spinach Casserole isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish that's destined to become a family favorite. From the creamy, cheesy sauce to the tender chicken and vibrant spinach, every bite is a delightful experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it effortlessly combines convenience with deliciousness, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual weekend gathering. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – Gruyere or Fontina would add a lovely nutty flavor. You could also incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken. Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love serving this casserole with a simple side salad and some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It's also fantastic served over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. If you're looking for a lighter option, try serving it with steamed green beans or asparagus. And for a truly decadent experience, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Don't be afraid to get creative and make this Chicken Spinach Casserole your own! I encourage you to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to find what you love best. This recipe is a fantastic base, and the possibilities are truly endless. I'm so confident that you'll love this recipe that I can't wait to hear about your experience. Once you've tried it, please come back and leave a comment below! Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

Why You Should Make This Tonight!

Seriously, what are you waiting for? This Chicken Spinach Casserole is calling your name! It's the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables without any complaints. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won't be disappointed. And remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I'm truly excited for you to try this recipe and discover the joy of a perfectly baked Chicken Spinach Casserole. Happy cooking! And don't forget to share your creations with me – I can't wait to see what you come up with!