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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, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in garlic and Italian seasoning, topped with a rich mixture of cream cheese, sautéed spinach, and mozzarella, then baked to perfection. The melty cheese and savory spinach create a delightful combination that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Spinach and Cheese Mixture

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

Topping

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pound the thicker ends to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
  3. 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. Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the sautéed spinach along with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese if using, until well combined.
  6. Optionally Sear Chicken: For added flavor, sear the marinated chicken cutlets in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned, but not fully cooked through.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Arrange the chicken pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to portion.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain excess water before using.
  • For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella cheese.
  • Adding Parmesan cheese is optional but recommended for extra flavor depth.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
  • This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken, easy dinner recipe, cheesy chicken bake, healthy chicken recipe

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