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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Melted Mozzarella Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 58 reviews

A creamy, savory chicken and spinach casserole featuring tender chicken breasts coated in garlic and Italian seasoning, layered with a rich cream cheese and spinach mixture, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 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 and Cheese Mixture

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside to prepare the ingredients.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four even cutlets. Pound the thicker ends gently with a rolling pin to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cutlets, toss to coat evenly, then cover and chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
  4. Sauté Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach, stirring frequently, and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in the wilted spinach, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese if using. Mix until combined smoothly.
  6. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Remove chicken from marinade letting excess drip off. You may sear the chicken cutlets in the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to develop a light crust and enhance flavor, but this step can be skipped if desired.
  7. Assemble the Casserole: Arrange the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella over the top.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving. Enjoy this warm, creamy, and flavorful chicken and spinach casserole.

Notes

  • Use pre-cut chicken cutlets to save prep time and ensure even cooking.
  • If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess liquid to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Searing the chicken before baking is optional but adds extra flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but adjust moisture accordingly.

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

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/creamy-chicken-and-spinach-casserole-with-melted-mozzarella-recipe/