Spinach and Chicken Casserole Recipe

This spinach and chicken casserole recipe is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The marinated chicken is layered with fresh spinach and topped with a smooth cream cheese mixture, then baked until bubbling and golden. It's a comfort-food classic that's easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Photos of Spinach and Chicken Casserole Recipe

All ingredients for this recipe should be readily available at your local supermarket. However, you might want to pay special attention to the chicken broth and Italian salad dressing. These two ingredients can dramatically affect the taste of the casserole, so choose brands you trust or make your own at home.

Spinach and Chicken Casserole Ingredients

Chicken breast: Lean and high in protein, it is the perfect base for this casserole.

Italian salad dressing: Used to marinate the chicken, adding flavor and tenderness.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic without overpowering the dish.

Lemon pepper: Gives a tangy, spicy twist to the chicken.

Spinach: It's a great source of vitamins and gives a nice color contrast to the dish.

Cream cheese: Provides a creamy, rich base for the casserole sauce.

Chives: Gives a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.

Olive oil: Used in the sauce for richness and depth of flavor.

Garlic: Gives a robust flavor to the casserole.

Salt and pepper: Season to taste.

Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the dish.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to provide a gooey, cheesy topping.

One reader, Ferris Tarver says:

This spinach and chicken casserole recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the cream cheese mixture is divine. It's a hit with my family every time. The chicken turns out tender, and the spinach adds a lovely touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, flavorful dishes.

Ferris Tarver

Techniques for Making the Perfect Casserole

How to marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl and pour in enough Italian salad dressing to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.

How to season the chicken: Drain and discard the marinade from the chicken. Season the chicken with garlic powder and lemon pepper.

How to layer the casserole: Transfer the seasoned chicken to a casserole dish and layer the spinach over the chicken.

How to make the cream cheese mixture: Mix the cream cheese, chives, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Slowly pour the chicken broth into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until the mixture is smooth.

How to bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and top the chicken mixture with mozzarella cheese, then cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the cheese is melted.

How To Make Spinach and Chicken Casserole

A delicious chicken casserole packed with flavors of tangy and peppery chicken, rich and savory cream cheese, and fresh spinach, for a filling baked dish.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 35 minutes

Marinate Time: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2cupschicken breast,boneless, cubed
1cupItalian salad dressing,or as needed
½tspgarlic powder
¼tsplemon pepper
8ozfresh spinach,(1 package)
8ozcream cheese,(2 packages), softened
½cupfresh chives,chopped
¼cupolive oil
1garlic clove,minced
1pinchsalt and ground black pepper
2cupschicken broth
1cupmozzarella cheese,shredded

Instructions

Place the chicken in a bowl and pour in enough Italian salad dressing to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Drain and discard marinade from chicken and season chicken with garlic powder and lemon pepper. Transfer the seasoned chicken to a casserole dish. Layer the spinach over the chicken.
Mix the cream cheese, chives, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Slowly pour the chicken broth into cream cheese mixture, stirring until mixture is smooth, then pour over the chicken and spinach. Cover casserole dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and top chicken mixture with mozzarella cheese, then cook for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is no longer pink in the center and cheese is melted.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 703.88kcal
Fat: 61.60g
Saturated Fat: 21.36g
Trans Fat: 0.08g
Monounsaturated Fat: 22.39g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.59g
Carbohydrates: 8.47g
Fiber: 1.00g
Sugar: 4.20g
Protein: 30.62g
Cholesterol: 130.74mg
Sodium: 662.75mg
Calcium: 339.73mg
Potassium: 567.58mg
Iron: 2.13mg
Vitamin A: 428.59µg
Vitamin C: 13.26mg

Crucial Technique for Achieving the Ideal Casserole Texture

When marinating the chicken, ensure that all pieces are fully submerged in the Italian salad dressing for even flavor distribution. If you find that the dressing isn't covering all the chicken, you can add a bit more or periodically turn the chicken in the marinade to ensure all sides get coated. Additionally, while the recipe calls for a 2 to 3 hour marination time, marinating the chicken overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Casserole

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking. This will allow the flavors to develop and the chicken to tenderize, cutting down on prep time.

One-pot wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one dish, reducing the number of pots and pans to clean up afterward.

Chop in bulk: Prepare all your vegetables and ingredients in one go, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for easy access when cooking.

Use kitchen gadgets: Invest in time-saving tools like a food processor or a slow cooker to simplify meal preparation.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on improvising.

Substitute Ingredients For Spinach and Chicken Casserole Recipe

Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast in this recipe, providing a similar texture and taste.
Italian salad dressing - Substitute with homemade Italian dressing: Making your own Italian dressing allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your preference, ensuring a fresher and more personalized taste.
Fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a hearty and nutritious green component to the casserole while adding a slightly different flavor and texture.
Cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to cream cheese, offering a tangy and creamy element to the dish while reducing the overall fat content.
Fresh chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can be used as a substitute for chives, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the casserole.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, offering a similar mild flavor and high smoke point for cooking the chicken.
Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a flavorful base for the casserole while catering to vegetarian preferences.
Mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella, offering a rich and slightly sharper flavor profile to the casserole.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Casserole

Elevate the plating: Arrange the casserole in a circular motion on the plate, ensuring that the spinach and chicken are evenly distributed. Use a brush to add a light drizzle of olive oil around the edge of the plate for a polished finish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped chives over the top of the casserole to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top of the casserole to provide a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Create a sauce swirl: Use a spoon to drizzle a reduction sauce in a circular motion around the casserole, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Use edible flowers as a finishing touch: Place a few delicate edible flowers strategically around the casserole to add a touch of sophistication and a hint of floral aroma.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Casseroles

Baking dish: A dish used for baking casseroles, cakes, and other dishes in the oven.
Aluminum foil: Used to cover the casserole dish while baking to keep the food moist and prevent it from burning.
Bowl: Used for mixing ingredients together.
Knife: Used for cutting and preparing the chicken and other ingredients.
Oven: Used for baking the casserole at a specific temperature.
Measuring cup: Used for accurately measuring the ingredients.
Mixing spoon: Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients together.
Baking sheet: Used for placing the casserole dish in the oven to catch any drips or spills.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Spinach and Chicken Casserole

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you have leftovers, you can transfer them to an airtight container before refrigerating. This will help maintain the quality and prevent the spinach from wilting.
To freeze the casserole, wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap, then cover it with a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer.
The spinach and chicken casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If the casserole is still frozen, you may need to increase the reheating time.
If you want to freeze individual portions, cut the cooled casserole into serving-sized pieces and wrap each one tightly with plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. This way, you can easily reheat single servings as needed.

How To Reheat Leftover Spinach and Chicken Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover spinach and chicken casserole to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the cheese to become slightly crispy and golden brown.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place a single serving of the leftover casserole on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. If reheating a larger portion, increase the microwave time accordingly and stir every 1-2 minutes.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat smaller portions of the casserole. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a single serving of the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating to allow the cheese to become slightly crispy and golden brown.
For a stovetop reheating method, transfer the leftover casserole to a saucepan or skillet. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the pan to prevent the casserole from drying out. Heat the casserole over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the casserole appears too thick, add more liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, always ensure that the internal temperature of the reheated casserole reaches 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature before serving.

Interesting Trivia About Spinach and Chicken Casseroles

Spinach and chicken casserole is a nutritious and delicious dish that can be easily customized with different ingredients such as various cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings.

Is Making This Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this spinach and chicken casserole recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. While chicken breast and spinach can be affordable and nutritious, the use of Italian salad dressing and cream cheese may increase the overall cost. However, the dish yields a substantial amount and can feed a family of four, making it a relatively cost-effective option. The approximate cost for a household of four people may range from $15 to $20, depending on the quality and availability of ingredients. As for the verdict, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its flavor, simplicity, and nutritional value.

Is This Spinach and Chicken Casserole Healthy?

This spinach and chicken casserole recipe has some healthy elements, but it also contains ingredients that may not be considered nutritious. Let's break it down:

Healthy aspects:

Chicken breast is a lean protein source
Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins and minerals
Garlic and chives offer flavor and potential health benefits

Less healthy aspects:

Italian salad dressing used for marinating may be high in sodium and unhealthy fats
Cream cheese and mozzarella cheese add significant amounts of saturated fat and calories
The recipe calls for a considerable amount of olive oil, which, while healthy in moderation, can contribute to a higher calorie count

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the Italian salad dressing with a homemade marinade using olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices to reduce sodium and unhealthy fats
Use low-fat cream cheese or replace half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce the saturated fat content
Reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese alternative
Decrease the amount of olive oil used in the cream cheese mixture
Add more vegetables to the casserole, such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient content and fiber
Serve the casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Spinach and Chicken Dish

The combination of marinated chicken, creamy spinach, and flavorful cream cheese creates a delightful and satisfying casserole. The use of Italian dressing adds a tangy and herbaceous note to the chicken, while the addition of mozzarella cheese provides a gooey and indulgent finish. The dish is well-balanced and offers a comforting and hearty meal. However, to enhance the overall flavor profile, consider incorporating additional herbs or spices to elevate the dish even further. Overall, this spinach and chicken casserole is a delicious and wholesome option for a family dinner or gathering.

Enhance Your Spinach and Chicken Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives make the perfect side to complement the savory spinach and chicken casserole.

Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted vegetables, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned to perfection, adds a burst of flavor and nutrients to your meal.

Garlic Bread: Slices of warm, buttery garlic bread are the ideal accompaniment to soak up the delicious cream cheese and chicken broth sauce from the casserole.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad, featuring a mix of seasonal fruits, provides a light and sweet contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the spinach and chicken casserole.

Similar Casserole Recipes to Try

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: This creamy and flavorful chicken dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and chicken will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Add a tropical twist to your chicken dish with this mango salsa recipe. The sweet and tangy flavors of mango, combined with the savory chicken, create a delightful and refreshing meal.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This healthy and colorful salad is packed with roasted vegetables and protein-rich quinoa. It's a perfect dish for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Spinach and Chicken Casserole

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: These colorful skewers are a refreshing and light appetizer option, featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of a luscious strawberry cheesecake, topped with fresh sliced strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this Spinach and Chicken Casserole Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of chicken and spinach, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish. The use of Italian salad dressing and mozzarella cheese adds a burst of tangy and creamy flavors. The marination process ensures the chicken is tender and infused with the rich taste of garlic powder and lemon pepper. The creamy cream cheese mixture, combined with chicken broth, creates a luscious and satisfying sauce. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients and the meticulous cooking process to deliver a delightful dining experience.

Have you tried this Spinach and Chicken Casserole Recipe? Share your experience, tips, and any modifications you made in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of dressing for the marinade?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of dressing for the marinade. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your taste preferences.

Can I substitute the fresh spinach with frozen spinach?

Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before using it in the recipe.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Certainly! You can use a different type of cheese for the topping if you prefer. Cheddar, parmesan, or a blend of your favorite cheeses would work well in this recipe.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.