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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 from 24 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, savory dish combining tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and rich cheeses baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a comforting weeknight meal, it delivers a flavorful Italian-inspired twist with minimal effort.

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

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally into two thin cutlets, yielding four pieces total. Pound the thicker areas gently to ensure uniform thickness for cooking consistency.
  3. 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.
  4. Cook the spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then set aside to cool slightly.
  5. Prepare cheese-spinach mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth in a bowl. Stir in the cooked spinach along with ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the optional Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  6. Sear chicken (optional): For extra flavor and texture, sear the marinated chicken for 1-2 minutes per side in a hot skillet before assembling the casserole.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.
  9. Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and juices settle before serving.

Notes

  • For extra moisture and flavor, you can add a splash of chicken broth to the baking dish before baking.
  • If you prefer, substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before cooking.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and cheeses for richest flavor, or opt for reduced-fat versions to lighten the dish.
  • Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
  • Ensure chicken reaches proper internal temperature (165°F) to guarantee safety and juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken dish, Italian seasoning chicken, easy dinner recipes

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