Description
A comforting and creamy chicken and spinach casserole featuring tender seared chicken breasts baked with a luscious cream cheese and sour cream mixture, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spinach and Cheese Mixture
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
- Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer the fresh spinach evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the spinach, then evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and prevent burns.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
- For a lower-fat option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- Serve with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
