Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole
Looking for a quick, creamy, and cheesy dinner that’s both comforting and healthy?
This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce that bakes into a golden, gooey masterpiece in just 30 minutes.
It’s the perfect weeknight meal that combines simplicity with indulgence—plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens!
For Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Breasts – I use boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half crosswise. You can substitute with thighs if you prefer.
- Fresh Spinach – Packed into the casserole dish for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – Shredded to melt beautifully on top of the casserole.
For Creamy Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base for the sauce.
- Sour Cream – Adds richness and a tangy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated parmesan adds a salty, cheesy depth to the sauce.
- Ground Black Pepper – A touch of pepper to season the sauce.
- Garlic Salt – Used to bring extra flavor and depth to the creamy sauce.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole
Looking for a quick, creamy, and cheesy dinner that's both comforting and healthy? This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce that bakes into a golden, cheesy crust.
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Servings: 8 servings
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Ingredients
For the Casserole:- 1 lb chicken breasts (about 2 breasts, cut in half crosswise)
- 8 oz fresh spinach
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 500°F. Lightly coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic salt to make the creamy sauce. - Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the fresh spinach evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the uncooked chicken breasts on top of the spinach.
- Spread the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top. Place the baking dish on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the chicken is cooked through.
Notes:
- Use a baking dish that can safely handle temperatures up to 500°F, like a heavy Dutch oven-style baking dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 272 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 657mg | Potassium: 408mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2932 IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 227mg | Iron: 1mg
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach in place of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
- Is there a substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don’t have Monterey Jack, you can substitute it with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just ensure they melt well to give that cheesy, gooey texture.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken can save time. Just make sure it’s heated through when baking, and cut it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the casserole.
- How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
To avoid excess liquid, you can add a layer of cooked rice or cauliflower rice at the bottom of the dish. This will absorb any extra moisture while the casserole bakes.
