Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole (Printable)
Tender chicken and spinach baked in a luscious cheese sauce for a comforting family dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (about 1.1 lb)
→ Vegetables
02 - 7 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy & Sauce
05 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese
09 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Seasonings & Topping
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - 1/2 cup gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring continuously, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
05 - Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in the cooked cubed chicken, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until evenly combined.
06 - Transfer the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, followed by breadcrumbs if using.
07 - Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
08 - Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cheese sauce comes together in one skillet, meaning you dirty exactly two dishes for the entire recipe.
- It reheats beautifully the next day, maybe even better than the first night.
- Spinach hides so well in the creamy sauce that even picky eaters will not question it.
02 -
- Squeezing excess moisture out of the spinach before adding it prevents a watery casserole that pools at the bottom.
- Do not crank the heat when making the sauce, because high heat causes cream to break and leave you with a grainy texture.
03 -
- Cube the chicken while it is still slightly warm so it absorbs more of the sauce flavor before baking.
- Letting the casserole rest the full five minutes is the difference between a clean slice and a sloppy puddle on the plate.