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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered with sautéed spinach and a blend of cream cheese and mozzarella for a rich, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Spinach and Cheese Mixture

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker parts gently to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
  3. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cutlets in this marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor.
  4. Cook Spinach: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the cooked spinach, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese if using, creating a creamy, flavorful filling.
  6. Optional Sear: For added flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before baking.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the minced garlic to 4 cloves.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but shredded works well too.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice nutty flavor.
  • Serve with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, creamy chicken bake, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken dish, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/chicken-and-spinach-casserole-with-cream-cheese-recipe/