Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Imagine layers of juicy chicken, tender spinach, and the unbeatable creaminess of melted cheese—all coming together in one comforting casserole. That’s what you get with Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese! The flavors mingle beautifully, and each bite brings a cozy richness that’ll have you craving seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights, dinner with friends, or meal prepping ahead, this dish seriously knows how to impress both family and guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore most about this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is how the simple ingredients play off each other to create something outrageously delicious. Every component has its job—bringing flavor, creaminess, or a pop of color—and together, they make dinnertime feel special.
- Chicken breasts: Slicing these in half ensures quick cooking and lets every bite soak up the creamy flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to the chicken while keeping it moist during baking.
- Garlic: The aromatic base, garlic gives the whole dish a wonderful, savory depth.
- Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the chicken with classic herbal notes—think oregano, basil, and a touch of thyme.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t skimp here; these basics always elevate the entire dish and bring the rest of the flavors to life.
- Fresh spinach: A handful of greens for color and nutrition that wilt into the creamy filling like magic.
- Cream cheese: The star player—its luscious, tangy melt is what dreams are made of in a comfort casserole.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a kid-approved cheesy stretch on top.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra punch of salty, nutty flavor—totally worth it if you have it on hand!
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of oil or nonstick spray—this is your first step toward crispy edges and an easy cleanup.
Step 2: Slice and Pound the Chicken
Grab those chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to make four thin cutlets. For even, tender baking, go over the thickest parts with a mallet or rolling pin—it makes such a difference in texture and helps everything cook at the same speed.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your chicken, toss to coat, then pop it in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This quick marinade infuses every layer of chicken and adds so much flavor!
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat before adding in your fresh spinach. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the leaves are just wilted. Don’t overcook; you want your spinach bright green and tender, not mushy.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in your cooked spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan if using. This creamy, cheesy mixture is key to the signature richness of Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese.
Step 6: (Optional) Sear the Chicken
For extra flavor, you can quickly sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet—about 1 to 2 minutes per side does the trick. This step isn’t required, but it adds a golden crust and a little more dimension to the final dish.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Arrange the chicken in your prepared baking dish, making sure the cutlets lay flat and cover the bottom. Evenly spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture over each piece, then finish with the rest of your mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling cheese, a lightly golden top, and an internal chicken temperature of 165°F (75°C). Trust me—the smell at this point will bring everyone into the kitchen!
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Let your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese rest for about five minutes after taking it from the oven. This ensures tender chicken and lets the cheese set just enough for perfect servings.
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Garnishes
A final touch of freshness brings the whole casserole to life. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top for a burst of color and a hint of earthy flavor. If you want a bit of zing, a squeeze of lemon over each serving brightens everything up!
Side Dishes
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is delightfully rich, so it pairs beautifully with something light. I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some buttery garlic bread to mop up all that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Use your prettiest casserole dish and spoon servings into wide shallow bowls for a more elegant look. Or, try portioning individual servings into ramekins before baking for personal-sized casseroles. This works especially well for dinner parties or meal prep!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the casserole has cooled completely, cover it tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep perfectly for up to three days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat!
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese just before baking or after it’s baked and cooled. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot all the way through—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. For single portions, a microwave works too, but bake uncovered for a few minutes after to refresh that cheesy top.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out all the excess water before adding to the cream cheese mixture. This swap keeps things simple and convenient, especially if you always have frozen spinach on hand.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave it in short bursts (5 seconds at a time). Softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly in the filling!
Can I prepare Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole the night before and refrigerate it, covered. The next day, just pop it straight into the oven and bake as directed! This makes dinner prep a total breeze.
Do I have to include Parmesan cheese?
No worries if you don’t have Parmesan—it’s totally optional. The Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese will still be plenty tasty with just cream cheese and mozzarella, but the Parmesan does add a lovely nutty flavor.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Definitely! Just use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and keep an eye on the cooking time since thighs may need a few extra minutes in the oven. The finished dish will be extra juicy and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, I hope you feel inspired to try Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese for your next dinner! It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and hits that perfect mix of comforting and fresh. Once you dig in, don’t be surprised when you start craving it week after week.
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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Spinach Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound to even thickness. In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes.
- Cook Spinach: In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and cook spinach until wilted. Set aside.
- Prepare Spinach Mixture: Beat cream cheese in a bowl, then mix in spinach and 1/2 cup mozzarella (and Parmesan if using).
- Sear Chicken (Optional): Sear marinated chicken in a skillet for added flavor.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange chicken in baking dish, spread spinach mixture over it, and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and cheese is melted and browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the cream cheese mixture.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or diced ham for an extra boost of flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Chicken, Spinach, Casserole, Cream Cheese, Baked
