Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are combined with a rich spinach and cheese mixture, then baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four cutlets. Pound the thicker ends with a rolling pin so they’re all of even thickness.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of olive oil with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, toss to coat, then cover and chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan (if using). Mix until smooth.
6. Step 6: Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. If desired, sear the chicken in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. Then, arrange the meat in a single layer in the baking dish.
7. Step 7: Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture over the meat, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture and milder flavor.
• Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if desired, cooking until wilted.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle heat.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute cream cheese with light cream cheese or Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out excess water before mixing it with the cream cheese to avoid a watery casserole.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing the chicken is optional but recommended for extra flavor and a nicer texture. If short on time, you can skip this step and bake the chicken directly after marinating.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 54 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a savory, comforting dish featuring tender chicken cutlets layered with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture. Baked to perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it delivers rich flavors and a delightful texture, perfect for a hearty family dinner.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Spinach Mixture

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using butter or cooking spray. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to make four cutlets. Use a rolling pin to pound the thicker parts of the chicken so that all pieces have even thickness for uniform cooking.
3. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cutlets, toss them to coat thoroughly, then cover and chill the bowl in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
4. Cook the Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook while stirring frequently until the spinach wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Make the Creamy Spinach Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cooked spinach, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese if using. Mix thoroughly to create a homogeneous filling.
6. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. For added flavor and texture, sear the chicken cutlets in the skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
7. Assemble the Casserole: Arrange the seared or raw chicken cutlets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the creamy spinach mixture over the chicken pieces, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese across the top.
8. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the cheese on top melted and lightly golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve: After baking, let the casserole stand for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, flavorful chicken and spinach dish.

Notes

• To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken cutlets to similar thickness.
• Searing the chicken before baking adds flavor but can be skipped for a quicker preparation.
• Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach (well-drained) if needed.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
• Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice sharpness and depth of flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese chicken, baked chicken recipes, cheesy chicken casserole