Description
Comfort meets elegance in this chicken and spinach casserole with cream cheese, blending hearty protein with silky greens. Creamy layers of rich flavor promise a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetable:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Extras:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole assembly.
- Dice the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are roughly equal in size for consistent cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, milk, and sour cream, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the cream cheese mixture along with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Fold the diced chicken into the creamy sauce, coating each piece thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Layer the fresh spinach across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a vibrant green base for the casserole.
- Pour the chicken and cream sauce mixture over the spinach, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the casserole for a crispy, golden-brown finish.
- Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb layer to enhance browning and add a subtle richness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a bright, fresh accent.
Notes
- Slice chicken evenly to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and better sauce consistency.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and flavor variations.
- Reduce breadcrumbs for a lower-carb option by using crushed pork rinds or almond flour as alternatives.
- For dairy-free adaptation, replace cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese substitutes.
- Fresh garlic provides more robust flavor compared to pre-minced versions, enhancing overall taste complexity.
- Allow casserole to rest after baking to help sauce thicken and flavors develop more intensely.
- Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more tender meat with richer flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg