Description
This Spinach Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish featuring shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of cream cheese and mozzarella. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and seasoned with garlic and onion powders, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, it pairs deliciously with salads or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (organic preferred)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella recommended)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (low-fat option okay)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping (panko breadcrumbs preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Gently fold in the shredded chicken and chopped spinach, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer Mixture: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly using the back of a spatula to create a smooth layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken and spinach mixture to cover it completely.
- Breadcrumb Crunch: Evenly distribute breadcrumbs over the mozzarella to create a flavorful, crunchy topping as it bakes.
- Bake and Brown: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Cool Down: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This thickens the cheesy sauce and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Do not overcook the spinach—just fold until wilted to preserve flavor.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out hot.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and add breadcrumbs just before baking.
- If casserole is too thick or dry, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezes well for 2–3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- To avoid sogginess, use tender, juicy cooked chicken.
- Try adding extras like sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Spinach Chicken Casserole, Cream Cheese Casserole, Mozzarella Chicken Bake, Comfort Food, Easy Chicken Recipe, One-Dish Meal
