Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole (Printable Version)
Tender chicken and fresh spinach baked in a luscious cheese sauce for a comforting weeknight meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Protein
01 - 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (about 1.1 lb)
→ Vegetables
02 - 7 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Dairy & Sauce
05 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tbsp cream cheese
09 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Seasonings & Topping
11 - ½ tsp dried thyme
12 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
13 - ½ tsp salt, or to taste
14 - ½ cup gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
05 - Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in the cooked cubed chicken, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until evenly combined.
06 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs if using.
07 - Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.
08 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- The creamy sauce comes together faster than you can set the table
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for tomorrow lunch
02 -
- Do not skip the cream cheese, it is what makes the sauce cling to every bite
- Precooked chicken must be fully cooked before it goes into the casserole
03 -
- A pinch of nutmeg in the cream sauce adds subtle warmth
- White wine deglazes the pan beautifully before adding cream