Description
A creamy, comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole made with tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cream cheese sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make, nutritious dish balances protein and greens with a smooth, indulgent texture.
Ingredients
																
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			Proteins
- 2 cups cooked and shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts by poaching, baking, or pan-cooking until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: Add softened cream cheese to the skillet along with a splash of milk or cream. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with the sautéed spinach and onions, then pour in the cream cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and a smoother sauce.
- Do not overcook spinach to maintain its bright color and prevent sogginess.
- Shred chicken uniformly to ensure consistent texture and flavor throughout the casserole.
- For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
- Allow casserole to rest after baking to set and improve slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese casserole, comfort food, family dinner, healthy casserole, gluten free casserole
