Description
This comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole combines tender seared chicken breasts with fresh spinach, creamy cream cheese, and melted mozzarella. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner or cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spinach and Cream Cheese Mixture
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned but not fully cooked.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the fresh spinach evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the seared chicken breasts on top, then evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the assembled casserole to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken during searing to keep it moist after baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
