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Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cutlets topped with a rich spinach and cream cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection. A perfect weeknight meal that combines ease of preparation with delicious comfort food flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Spinach and Cheese Mixture

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set it aside for later use.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four cutlets. Use a rolling pin to pound the thicker parts so that all cutlets are of even thickness, ensuring even cooking.
  3. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cutlets and toss them until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  4. Cook Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until it wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooked spinach, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese if using. Mix everything until well combined and smooth.
  6. Optional Sear Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. For extra flavor and texture, sear the chicken cutlets in the same skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but recommended.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy your creamy chicken and spinach casserole!

Notes

  • For even cooking, ensure chicken cutlets are of uniform thickness before marinating and cooking.
  • Searing chicken before baking adds extra flavor and texture but can be skipped for quicker prep.
  • If you prefer a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheeses.
  • Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if desired.
  • This casserole pairs well with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, creamy chicken bake, chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/chicken-and-spinach-casserole-recipe/