Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a hearty family dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared, then baked layered with fresh spinach and a rich cream cheese mixture, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 40 minutes, this casserole combines savory flavors and a creamy texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder to infuse them with flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they are nicely browned but not fully cooked through, which locks in juices and adds a rich flavor.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well blended to create a creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the fresh spinach evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a vibrant green base layer.
- Add the Chicken and Cream Cheese Mixture: Place the seared chicken breasts over the spinach layer, then evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the chicken to coat each piece well.
- Add the Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole, covering the cream cheese layer completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor, but frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be substituted if needed.
- Ensure the chicken is seared but not cooked through before baking to prevent it from drying out.
- You can substitute mozzarella with another melting cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor.
- To make it lower fat, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
