Description
Comforting “creamy chicken and spinach casserole” brings hearty Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables. Succulent chicken, tender spinach, and rich cheeses combine in one satisfying dish that promises warmth and deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1.5 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Base and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional, for a heartier dish)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 375°F, ensuring even temperature distribution.
- Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat, allowing it to become smooth and silky.
- Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
- Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking vigorously to create a golden, smooth roux.
- Gradually stream milk and chicken broth into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and ensure a velvety consistency.
- Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Season the sauce with onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Create a foundational layer of cooked rice or pasta across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute shredded chicken uniformly over the base layer, followed by an even spread of fresh spinach.
- Cascade the creamy sauce over the chicken and spinach, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously crown the casserole with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a tempting golden topping.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven, baking until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling crust, roughly 25-30 minutes.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.
Notes
- Swap white rice for cauliflower rice to make this dish low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Use gluten-free flour and pasta alternatives for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or tofu for vegetarian adaptation.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt quantities during preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg