Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
A heartwarming casserole combining tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for mixing in
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted for topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until wilted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, the cooked rice, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the sautéed spinach mixture to the chicken mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole.
Baking
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added richness, experiment with different cheeses. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Consider prepping ingredients ahead of time for a quicker cooking experience.