Description
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese brings comfort right to your dinner table, blending tender chicken and creamy cheese into a delightful one-pan meal that makes weeknight cooking a breeze. Packed with nutrition and flavor, this casserole delivers a satisfying dinner your family will request again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins and Vegetables:
- 2 cups chicken, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Topping:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), ensuring your rack sits in the center position for even cooking.
- Combine 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 cup chopped spinach, 8 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Blend the ingredients thoroughly until your mixture looks creamy and well-incorporated.
- Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Transfer your chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole, creating a generous blanket of dairy goodness.
- Dust the top with 1 cup bread crumbs, ensuring complete coverage for a satisfying crunch.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for exactly 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to become golden and bubbly around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Swap cottage cheese for cream cheese if you prefer a lighter texture and tangier flavor.
- Gluten-free friends can replace bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a crispy topping.
- Chop chicken extra fine or shred it for a more uniform, creamy casserole consistency.
- Prep this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to let flavors meld and make weeknight dinner easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg