Description
Rich, comforting chicken and spinach casserole brings classic Southern comfort to dinner tables with its cheesy, hearty layers. Savory ingredients meld perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
Vegetables:
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a creamy base by whisking together the soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings until smooth and well-blended.
- Fold the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella into the creamy mixture, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer the combined ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly to create a consistent layer.
- If desired, toss breadcrumbs with melted butter to create a crispy topping, then sprinkle generously over the casserole surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is heated through.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added freshness before serving.
Notes
- Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals to maintain the casserole’s crispy texture.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat content and add extra protein, creating a lighter version of the dish.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and add more depth to the flavor profile.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together, then bake when ready to serve for enhanced taste and convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 414 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg