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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich velvety sauce topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, this versatile casserole combines lean protein and leafy greens in a creamy base that bakes to golden perfection, delivering a crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple to prepare and delicious to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

Vegetables

  • 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock

Seasonings & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme or parsley

Optional Ingredients for Variations

  • 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños (for spice)
  • Almond or coconut flour (for gluten-free sauce thickening, if desired)

Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing garlic and onion)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Spinach: Cook and shred the chicken breasts. Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly; if using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water to prevent sogginess.
  2. Create the Creamy Sauce: In a skillet, sauté finely chopped garlic and onions in olive oil or butter until fragrant and translucent. Stir in cream cheese or sour cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor base.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution without mashing or overmixing.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with extra shredded cheese to develop a golden, cheesy crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and set.
  5. Let It Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes. This resting time thickens the creamy texture and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture, especially fresh spinach and good-quality chicken.
  • Don’t overcook the spinach; slightly undercooking maintains a pleasant bite and bright green color.
  • If the creamy sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
  • Combine mozzarella for gooeyness and sharp cheddar for flavor to achieve the tastiest cheese blend.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to improve texture and help flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken, spinach casserole, comfort food, baked chicken dish, family dinner, gluten free casserole

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/creamy-chicken-and-spinach-casserole/