🥘 Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella
✅ Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
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3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter (if sautéing fresh chicken)
For the Spinach Mixture:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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5 oz (140g) fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained well)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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½ cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter option)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
For the Topping:
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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Optional: extra Parmesan or breadcrumbs for added topping crunch
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the Spinach:
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In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, just heat and stir until combined.
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Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Creamy Base:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
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Stir in Parmesan, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Add in the cooked spinach mixture and shredded chicken. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
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Spread the creamy chicken-spinach mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
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Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
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Optional: Add a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs or extra Parmesan for a crispy top.
5. Bake:
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and cheese is golden and melted.
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Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a more browned, cheesy top (optional).
6. Serve:
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or chili flakes for extra flavor (optional).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or enjoy it as a low-carb main on its own.
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Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies.
🔁 Optional Add-Ins:
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Add mushrooms, onions, or sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach mix.
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Mix in red pepper flakes or paprika for a bit of heat.
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Swap mozzarella with a blend like provolone or fontina for variation.