Description

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection with a golden crust on top. It’s easy to prepare and can optionally include cooked rice for added texture, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oils

1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Additional Ingredients

1 cup cooked rice (optional, for added texture)
1 tbsp melted butter (for greasing)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish evenly with the melted butter to prevent sticking and to add a subtle buttery flavor to the crust.
Sauté Onion & Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once wilted, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Mix Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and the optional cooked rice (if using) to the creamy cheese mixture. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly combined and coated with the creamy sauce.
Bake Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns a light golden brown.
Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly for easier portioning.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken saves time, but you can use any cooked chicken you prefer.
For a gluten-free version, ensure all cheese and sour cream are certified gluten-free.
Adding cooked rice is optional but adds pleasant texture and bulk to the casserole.
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American