Best Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Best Spinach Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts baked with fresh spinach and a rich sauce make it both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast halves (two pieces, sliced in halves)
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F. Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Step 3: Spread fresh spinach evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the uncooked chicken breast halves on top of the spinach layer.
- Step 4: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and spinach, spreading it with a spatula to cover the entire dish. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
- Step 5: Bake on the bottom rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The spinach should shrink, the chicken be fully cooked, and the cheese melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy spinach chicken casserole!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a mild kick.
- Use cooked, shredded chicken if you prefer a quicker assembly — just reduce the baking time accordingly.
- Try substituting mozzarella cheese for Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
- Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry can be used in a pinch.
Storage
Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the creamy sauce texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach as long as it is fully thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out to prevent a watery casserole.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear. The spinach will have shrunk, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
PrintBest Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Best Spinach Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining tender chicken breasts layered with fresh spinach and topped with Monterey Jack cheese. The rich sauce made from mayo, sour cream, and Parmesan enhances the flavors, making it an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breast halves (two pieces, sliced in halves)
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
Dairy and Sauce
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 500°F. Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic salt until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Evenly spread fresh spinach across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the uncooked chicken breast halves on top of the spinach layer. Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and spinach, spreading it out using a spatula to cover all areas.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish on the bottom rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the spinach has significantly shrunk, the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole carefully from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy spinach chicken casserole.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute light mayonnaise and sour cream.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Consider using fresh herbs like parsley or basil as garnish for added flavor and color.
- If you prefer, shredded mozzarella cheese can be used in place of Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Keywords: spinach chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked chicken dish, Monterey Jack cheese casserole, easy chicken dinner
