Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, fresh sautéed spinach, and a savory blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Enhanced with garlic, basil, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this hearty casserole is perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Spinach Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creamy Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This prevents the spinach from releasing too much moisture into the casserole.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken and the sautéed spinach into the creamy sauce, mixing well to evenly distribute all components.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): For a crunchy topping, sprinkle 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer before baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating it is cooked through and deliciously melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Ensure spinach is well drained after sautéing to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use low-fat or light versions of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to reduce calories and fat.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice texture contrast.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
