Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this casserole is the cozy dinner you’ve been craving!

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Dish

Picture this: tender chicken, garlicky spinach, and a creamy sauce made with melty cream cheese and mozzarella, all baked into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s rich without being heavy, and the spinach adds a fresh, veggie-packed twist. Plus, it’s forgiving—swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, and it’ll still turn out delicious.

2. Ingredients: The Shopping List

Serves 6 | Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 35 mins

Main Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 cup thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
8 oz cream cheese (full-fat for creaminess; Philadelphia works great)
2 cups shredded mozzarella (use fresh for better melt)
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium to control salt)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Seasonings:

1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional kick: Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce

Pro Tip: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and non-stick cooking spray.

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3. Prep Steps: Let’s Get Organized

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until lightly browned (it’ll finish cooking in the oven). Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

In the same skillet, cook onions for 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and spinach, stirring until spinach wilts (2–3 mins). If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water first!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, broth, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

4. Baking Instructions: Bringing It All Together

Layer the Casserole:
- Spread spinach mixture in the greased baking dish. Top with chicken, then pour sauce over everything. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Bake:
- Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 mins until bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for 2–3 mins (watch closely!).

Secret Tip: Cover with foil halfway if the cheese browns too quickly. Check the chicken’s internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

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5. Serving Suggestions

Garnish: Fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Sides: Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted asparagus.

6. Level-Up Tips & Tweaks

Flavor Boosters: Add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or crispy bacon.
Dietary Swaps:
- Keto: Skip flour (thicken sauce with 1 tbsp almond flour).
- Gluten-Free: Ensure broth and cream cheese are GF.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu.

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7. Wrap-Up & Fun Fact

This casserole is comfort in a dish—creamy, hearty, and endlessly adaptable. Fun fact: Casseroles became popular in the U.S. during the Great Depression for stretching leftovers. Today, they’re a global favorite!