Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This allows the oven to reach the correct temperature before the casserole goes in.
- Place the cut chicken pieces in a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the chicken well to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated with the delicious blend of spices and oil.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator to marinate while you prepare the remaining casserole components. This brief rest helps infuse flavor.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and stir frequently until it has completely wilted down.
- Lightly grease an 8x8 glass baking dish to prevent sticking, ensuring easy cleanup later. Evenly arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spoon the softened cream cheese over the chicken layer. Carefully spread it out to cover the chicken as much as possible, forming a luscious base.
- Place the wilted spinach evenly on top of the cream cheese layer. Ensure the spinach is distributed across the entire casserole.
- Generously top everything with shredded mozzarella cheese. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust as it bakes.
- Bake the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be bubbly and lightly golden.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.
Nutrition
Notes
For substitutions, feel free to use pre-cooked shredded chicken, well-drained frozen spinach, or experiment with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or different cheeses like Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar. Enhance flavors with red pepper flakes or lemon zest. To prevent a watery casserole, always squeeze excess water from spinach, consider an absorbent base, and bake uncovered. Baking can be adjusted: 350°F (175°C) for 25-35 minutes for a gentler bake or 475-500°F (245-260°C) for 18-25 minutes for thin chicken cutlets. Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Try toppings like buttered cracker crumbs, crushed pork rinds, toasted almond flour, grated Parmesan, or feta. This casserole pairs wonderfully with sides like green salad, roasted asparagus, garlicky green beans, egg noodles, or rice. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. It's naturally low-carb/keto and gluten-free, with options to add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or protein twists like bacon or turkey. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.