Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are layered with fresh spinach and a rich, cheesy sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts (about 2 breasts, cut in half crosswise)
• 8 oz fresh spinach
• 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F. Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic salt to make the creamy sauce.
3. Step 3: Spread the fresh spinach evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: Layer the uncooked chicken breasts on top of the spinach.
5. Step 5: Spread the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top. Place the baking dish on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the chicken is cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella or cheddar cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
• For a lower-fat option, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Add sliced mushrooms or diced onions to the spinach layer for extra texture and taste.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to make serving easier.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken.

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, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the casserole to prevent a watery dish.

Is it okay to cook the chicken before assembling?

Yes, cooking the chicken breasts beforehand can reduce baking time, but fresh chicken will bake quickly and remain juicy with this recipe.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 87 reviews

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is a comforting and delicious baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered with fresh spinach, a rich and tangy creamy sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb chicken breasts (about 2 breasts, cut in half crosswise)
• 8 oz fresh spinach
• 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F. Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, and garlic salt until well combined to create the creamy sauce.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the fresh spinach evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer the uncooked chicken breasts on top of the spinach, arranging them evenly for even cooking. Next, spread the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
4. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the creamy sauce layer. Place the baking dish on the bottom rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from oven and let it rest briefly before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust baking time accordingly.
• Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking that juices run clear or using a meat thermometer.
• For a lower fat version, use light mayonnaise and sour cream.
• This casserole can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole, baked chicken casserole, creamy chicken spinach bake, Monterey Jack cheese casserole, easy chicken casserole