Description
This creamy and comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole combines tender seared chicken breasts with fresh spinach, a rich cream cheese and sour cream mixture, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this hearty casserole makes a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
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
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned but not entirely cooked through, locking in the juices.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the fresh spinach evenly in the prepared baking dish as the base layer.
- Add the Chicken and Spread Mixture: Place the seared chicken breasts over the spinach. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chicken.
- Add the Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the entire casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and to avoid burning.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add some chopped onions or mushrooms to the spinach layer before baking.
- Ensure the chicken is properly seared to keep the moisture inside and give a nice texture.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese option to reduce calories.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture; frozen spinach can result in extra moisture after baking.
