Imagine a dish that combines the rich, velvety goodness of spinach artichoke dip with tender, juicy chicken in one mouthwatering casserole. This isn't just another dinner recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Prepare to be transported to comfort food heaven with this creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible chicken casserole that's guaranteed to become your new go-to weeknight dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly once assembled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast with the thawed and drained frozen spinach and the chopped artichoke hearts. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add the cream cheese and sour cream to the chicken mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to blend these creamy ingredients into the chicken and vegetables until you have a smooth and well-combined mixture.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
- Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture. This will add a rich flavor and a creamy texture to the casserole.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This will help it cook uniformly.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for a delicious, cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to heat through.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to scoop out portions.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your creamy spinach artichoke chicken casserole!
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster preparation time and extra flavor boost
- Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help it set and make serving easier
- For a low-carb version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor profile
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat if desired
- This casserole freezes beautifully - make an extra batch for future meals
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
