Chicken Casserole with Spinach
This rich and creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach features seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sautéed spinach, and melted mozzarella—perfect for an easy yet satisfying meal.
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the four halved chicken breast pieces into a zip-top bag. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Seal the bag securely and toss gently to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade. Allow the chicken to rest for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Prepare the Casserole Dish
- Remove the marinated chicken from the bag and arrange the pieces in a baking or casserole dish in a single layer.
Apply the Cream Cheese
- Spread 2 ounces of cream cheese evenly over the top of each chicken piece. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure full coverage.
Wilt the Spinach
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the spinach in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until just wilted. Remove from heat and layer the wilted spinach evenly over each chicken breast.
Add the Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle approximately 1 ounce of shredded mozzarella over each chicken piece, ensuring even distribution for a uniform melt.
Bake the Casserole
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 20–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, provided that all ingredients—particularly the cream cheese, seasoning blends, and shredded mozzarella—are confirmed to be certified gluten-free. Always check labels to avoid additives or hidden gluten in processed items.