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A delicious and comforting Chicken And Spinach Casserole is shown as the featured image for this recipe.

Ultimate Chicken and Spinach Casserole

This Ultimate Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and vibrant spinach are enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with a golden, bubbly breadcrumb crust. It's surprisingly simple to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup bread crumbs panko or regular
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • colander
  • Cheesecloth (optional)
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the chicken breasts using your preferred method (baking, boiling, or pan-frying). Once cooked, shred the chicken and set aside.
  3. Thaw the frozen spinach completely. Place the spinach in a colander and squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  8. Stir in the cooked onion and garlic mixture, shredded chicken, squeezed spinach, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  9. Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish.
  10. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  11. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the chicken and spinach mixture in the baking dish.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
  13. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Thoroughly squeezing the spinach is essential for preventing a watery casserole. You can use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) to save time. This recipe is a great base for customization! Consider adding other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyere for extra cheesy flavor. Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy twist. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Add cooked rice or pasta to the chicken and spinach mixture for a heartier casserole. Add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, or carrots. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.