Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole (Printable Version)
Creamy chicken bake with spinach, artichokes, and melted mozzarella-parmesan topping.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
03 - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
06 - 1 cup sour cream
07 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 cup milk
→ Pantry
11 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
16 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir fresh spinach into the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Blend until smooth and well incorporated.
05 - Fold sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, chopped artichoke hearts, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes into the creamy base. Stir until evenly distributed.
06 - Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese uniformly across the top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping is golden brown.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy sauce tastes like your favorite spinach artichoke dip but it is actually a full meal.
- Using rotisserie chicken means you can have the whole thing assembled in under twenty minutes.
02 -
- If using frozen spinach you must squeeze it absolutely dry in a clean towel or your casserole will turn soupy and never set properly.
- Do not skip the resting time after baking because those five minutes are what transform it from a watery mess into sliceable portions.
03 -
- Shred your own cheese from a block because pre shredded varieties are coated in starch that prevents smooth melting.
- Let the cream cheese fully soften on the counter before mixing or you will chase lumps through the sauce the entire time.