Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole
A delightful dish packed with tender chicken, creamy spinach, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut horizontally to create thin cutlets
- 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 Reserve half for top
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set it aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the thicker parts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the wilted spinach, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Optionally, sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to enhance flavor. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken cutlets. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole is best served warm. It pairs nicely with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Allow the casserole to rest after baking for easier serving. You can top the cheese with breadcrumbs for extra texture.