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To make this Chicken Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese, gather these items: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can switch some ingredients based on your taste or what you have. Here are some ideas: - Instead of cooked chicken, use rotisserie chicken for ease. - Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. - Use any cheese you like, such as cheddar or gouda. - For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream instead of cream cheese and sour cream. - If you don't have fresh spinach, use frozen spinach, but drain it well. Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s how to pick the best: - For chicken, look for a nice pink color with no odor. - Choose spinach with bright green leaves and no wilting. - Check cream cheese for a smooth texture and freshness date. - When buying cheese, select blocks or freshly shredded for better flavor. - For breadcrumbs, look for whole grain or homemade for added taste. By following these tips, you will enhance the flavors in your casserole! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix these ingredients well until they blend smoothly. Now, add half of the mozzarella cheese to the mixture. It helps add richness to the dish. Next, pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until it's mixed evenly. Once mixed, transfer the chicken-spinach mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even cooking. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. This gives the topping a nice crunch. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole. Finally, add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Now it's time to bake! Place the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake it for about 30 minutes. You want the casserole to bubble and the breadcrumbs to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary. When the casserole is done baking, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the layers set. Serve it warm, and enjoy the creamy delight with your family and friends. Pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. To make the best chicken spinach casserole, follow these key steps. First, use freshly cooked chicken. It adds great flavor and texture. Shredding the chicken allows it to mix well with the other ingredients. Next, soften the cream cheese before mixing it in. This helps create a creamy and smooth base. Make sure to chop your spinach finely. This ensures it blends well throughout the dish. When mixing, don’t rush. Stir until everything is well combined. This makes sure each bite is full of flavor. For the topping, mix your breadcrumbs with olive oil. This keeps them crispy while baking. Sprinkle them evenly over the casserole for a nice crunch. One common mistake is adding too much salt. Start with a little and taste as you go. Another mistake is overcooking the casserole. Bake it just until it bubbles and the top is golden brown. Letting it sit before serving helps the flavors meld. Don’t skip the red pepper flakes unless you dislike spice. They add a nice kick. Also, avoid using low-fat cream cheese. It can change the texture and flavor of your casserole. This casserole pairs well with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with lemon dressing complements it nicely. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy meal. For drinks, try a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lime. If you want to make it a full meal, serve it with roasted vegetables. Carrots or broccoli add color and nutrients. Enjoy this dish warm for the best taste experience. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, adding flavor and saving time. Mix Up the Greens: Feel free to substitute or add other greens like kale or Swiss chard for different flavors and textures. Breadcrumb Alternatives: For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or panko instead of regular breadcrumbs. Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for more veggies. You can use 2 cups of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of diced bell peppers. This mix brings great flavor and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full veggie base. The cream cheese and sour cream will still give you that creamy delight. If you want to change the protein, try turkey or shredded beef. Both will add a nice twist. You can also use canned tuna for a quick option. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing. Each choice will give the casserole a different taste, so have fun experimenting. You can change the flavors with spices and herbs. Try adding Italian seasoning for a herb boost. Fresh basil or parsley will add a nice touch, too. For a kick, add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. Cheese lovers can mix in parmesan or cheddar for an extra cheesy experience. Feel free to get creative! After enjoying your delicious chicken spinach casserole, let it cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the container well. This keeps the casserole fresh and tasty. To reheat your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. If you want to freeze the casserole, do it before baking. Wrap it well with plastic wrap or foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, until it bubbles. This way, you can enjoy this tasty dish later! Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Just mix all the filling ingredients and place them in your baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to one day. When ready to bake, just add the breadcrumb topping and bake it directly. This saves time on busy nights. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. Both options will give a creamy texture. You can also blend cottage cheese until smooth for a similar effect. These swaps will keep your casserole tasty and creamy. Leftover casserole lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to let it cool before putting it away. This way, it stays safe and delicious for your next meal. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and divide it into smaller portions. Store them in individual containers. This makes it easy to grab a meal on the go. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat, and enjoy! This post covered the key parts of making a great casserole. We discussed ingredients, easy steps, and tips to get it just right. You now know how to select fresh items and avoid common mistakes. The variations let you mix things up, while storage tips help keep leftovers tasty. Always remember, with good ingredients and careful prep, you can create a dish everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!

Creamy Chicken Spinach Dream Casserole

A delicious and creamy casserole featuring chicken and spinach, topped with breadcrumbs and mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
  • Add the chicken broth to the mixture, followed by the garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
  • Transfer the chicken-spinach mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until the breadcrumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
  • Finish by topping the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.
Keyword casserole, Chicken, creamy, spinach