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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

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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

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/chicken-and-spinach-casserole-with-cream-cheese-recipe/