Description

Chicken Spinach Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach, all baked together in a cheesy casserole. This meal is a great way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dinner with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare a meal ahead of time.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)

3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

1 1/2 cups cooked rice (optional, for a heartier casserole)

For the Topping (optional):

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for crunch)

1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, chopped onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until everything is well mixed. If you’re using rice, stir in the cooked rice for added heartiness.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. If adding the breadcrumb topping, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole.
Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy. For an extra crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetable!

Notes

Add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.

Use cream of chicken soup for a different creamy base.

Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or your preferred cheese.

Drizzle with sriracha or hot sauce for extra heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: Varies depending on ingredients used
Sugar: Varies
Sodium: Varies
Fat: Varies depending on mayonnaise and cheese used
Saturated Fat: Varies
Unsaturated Fat: Varies
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: Varies
Fiber: Varies
Protein: Varies
Cholesterol: Varies depending on chicken and cheese used