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Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered with a rich cream cheese and spinach mixture, topped with melted mozzarella. It’s a perfect easy-to-make meal that’s wholesome and comforting, ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Spinach Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Cut each chicken breast horizontally into two thin cutlets, creating four total pieces. Pound the thicker ends with a meat mallet or rolling pin to even out the thickness for uniform cooking.
  3. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cutlets in this marinade ensuring they’re evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  4. Cook Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cooked spinach, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if using, mixing until well combined.
  6. Optional Sear: For enhanced flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked. This step adds a savory crust and depth of flavor.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Place the chicken cutlets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the chicken, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for a cheesy crust.
  8. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and slightly golden and bubbly.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute before serving warm.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach can be used; just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before cooking.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice nutty depth to the spinach mixture.
  • Checking the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer ensures food safety and prevents overcooking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, baked chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy dinner, cheesy spinach chicken

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