What are the basic ingredients for making a chicken and spinach casserole?

A typical chicken and spinach casserole includes boneless chicken breasts, fresh or frozen spinach, a creamy cheese sauce often made with cheeses like Monterey Jack or Parmesan, and seasonings such as garlic and onion powder. Some recipes add cream or sour cream for extra richness. The chicken is usually either sliced or cubed and combined with the spinach and cheese mixture before baking until cooked through.

How long should I bake a chicken and spinach casserole to ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Thinner chicken pieces may cook faster, so using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying out the meat.

What are some healthy sides that go well with chicken and spinach casserole?

Steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement this casserole well. For grain options, wild rice, quinoa, or farro provide added fiber and nutrients. For a low-carb choice, consider zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep the meal balanced and nutritious.

Can I prepare a chicken and spinach casserole in advance and freeze it?

It’s best to assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Freezing an uncooked casserole with raw chicken and dairy may cause excess water content and texture changes. If you freeze leftovers after baking, store them in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before serving.

What cheeses work best for making the sauce in a chicken and spinach casserole?

Mild melting cheeses like Monterey Jack and Mozzarella are great choices for creamy texture without overpowering flavors. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty note to the sauce but should be used sparingly to avoid excess saltiness. Combining these cheeses delivers a balanced, smooth sauce that complements the chicken and spinach.

Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe With Rich Cheese Sauce

Name: Chicken And Spinach Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487661H1M43S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 lb chicken (that’s 2 large breasts, cut crosswise into 4 fillets); – 8 oz fresh spinach (or use frozen spinach, but make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid first); – 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese; – 1/2 cup mayonnaise (you can swap this with creamy salad dressing, and remember to adjust the garlic salt if you do); – 1/2 cup sour cream (yogurt works as a replacement if you prefer); – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; – 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; – 1 tsp garlic salt

Description

🍗 This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole offers a rich cheese sauce that makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
🧀 Packed with tender chicken and nutritious spinach, it’s perfect for quick dinners with delicious taste and minimal prep.

Ingredients

– 1 lb chicken (that’s 2 large breasts, cut crosswise into 4 fillets)

– 8 oz fresh spinach (or use frozen spinach, but make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid first)

– 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise (you can swap this with creamy salad dressing, and remember to adjust the garlic salt if you do)

– 1/2 cup sour cream (yogurt works as a replacement if you prefer)

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

– 1 tsp garlic salt

Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 500°F and lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish that’s safe for high heat. This step sets the stage for a quick cook that keeps everything tender and full of flavor.

2-Next, mix up the creamy sauce by combining 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic salt in a bowl; stir until smooth.

3-Now, layer the ingredients for the best results: spread 8 oz of fresh spinach evenly across the bottom of the dish. Place the 1 lb of uncooked chicken breasts, cut into 4 fillets, right on top of the spinach. Pour that rich sauce over the chicken and spread it out evenly, then sprinkle 8 oz of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over everything to finish the setup.

4-Bake it on the bottom rack for 20-25 minutes, checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the spinach wilts perfectly. To tie it all together, I often add a spinach-stuffed chicken variation tip here, which you can explore for even more ideas. This method ensures a delicious, gooey finish that’s hard to resist, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes total.

Notes

🔥 Use heavy Dutch ovens or stainless steel dishes rated for 500°F for best results.
🧀 Shred cheese fresh from a block for a better melty, browned crust; avoid cheddar blends.
💧 Thoroughly drain frozen spinach to prevent excess moisture; consider adding cauliflower or rice under fresh spinach to absorb liquid.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 272 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 657 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 19 g
Cholesterol: 67 mg

Keywords: Spinach chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, low-carb chicken recipe