Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
A creamy and flavorful chicken and spinach casserole featuring tender chicken breasts layered with a rich mixture of cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella. This comforting American main course combines sautéed greens with a cheesy baked topping, perfect for an easy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Spinach and Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prep Chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally in half to make four thin cutlets total. Pound the thicker ends gently to achieve even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Make Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon 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 infuse flavor.
- Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the cooked spinach, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese if using, combining thoroughly.
- Optional Sear for Extra Flavor: For enhanced taste, quickly sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side before assembling the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh; just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a juicier option, substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Keywords: Chicken Casserole, Spinach, Cream Cheese, Baked Chicken, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, American Cuisine
