Best Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Best Spinach Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish perfect for a wholesome family meal. Tender chicken breasts baked with fresh spinach and rich cheeses create a satisfying and delicious casserole that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast halves (two pieces, sliced in halves)
• 8 ounces fresh spinach
• 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F. Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic salt until smooth and well-blended.
3. Step 3: Spread a layer of fresh spinach evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the uncooked chicken breast halves on top of the spinach layer. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and spinach, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the dish on the bottom rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the spinach has shrunk, the chicken is fully cooked, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful combination of chicken, spinach, and cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Use cooked, shredded chicken instead of raw for a quicker assembly and a different texture.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap Monterey Jack cheese for mozzarella or cheddar to vary the flavor.
• For a lower-fat option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayonnaise.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving as it may separate the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

It’s best to freeze before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Best Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

This Best Spinach Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring tender chicken breast layered over fresh spinach, topped with Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses. It combines savory flavors and a rich texture, perfect for a hearty family meal or comforting dinner.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 pound chicken breast halves (two pieces, sliced in halves)
• 8 ounces fresh spinach

Cheese and Sauce

• 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 500°F. While the oven is heating, lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the prepared dish aside as you move on to the next steps.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: While your oven is preheating, take a moment to combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic salt in a mixing bowl. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-blended, making it easy to spread over the casserole.
3. Assemble the Casserole: First, pack the bottom of your prepared casserole dish with a layer of fresh spinach, spreading it evenly. Next, place the uncooked chicken breasts evenly on top of the spinach layer. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and spinach, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure full coverage.
4. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole. Once your oven is preheated, place the dish on the bottom rack and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the dish, and remove it from the oven once the spinach has shrunk significantly and the chicken breasts are thoroughly cooked. The cheese should be melted and slightly bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy: After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the dish hot, enjoying the creamy combination of chicken, spinach, and cheese. Bon appétit!

Notes

• Ensure the chicken breasts are thawed and sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain excess water before using.
• Adjust garlic salt to taste or use regular salt if preferred, to control sodium content.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and flavors deepen.

Keywords: Spinach Chicken Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked chicken with spinach, Monterey Jack casserole, easy chicken dinner