Description
Hearty chicken and spinach casserole brings comfort from Mediterranean kitchens, blending rich cheese, tender chicken, and nutritious greens. Wholesome ingredients meld together, creating a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, optional
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil, divided
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish by greasing a 9×13 inch pan and heating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transform chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets by slicing horizontally and gently pounding with a rolling pin to equalize thickness.
- Create a flavorful marinade by whisking olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Immerse chicken pieces in the aromatic marinade, ensuring complete coverage, then refrigerate for a short flavor-infusing period of 15-30 minutes.
- Wilt fresh spinach in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until leaves become tender and reduced in volume.
- Craft a creamy filling by whipping softened cream cheese until silky smooth, then incorporating the wilted spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Optional: Quickly sear marinated chicken in the skillet to develop a golden exterior and seal in moisture.
- Carefully arrange the chicken in a single layer within the prepared baking dish.
- Generously spread the spinach-cheese mixture over each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage.
- Shower the casserole with remaining mozzarella cheese, creating an enticing melted topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness and cheese transforms into a lightly bronzed, bubbling crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and settle before serving.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Pounding chicken cutlets ensures even cooking and tender meat, preventing dry edges.
- Marinate Magic: Letting chicken sit in seasoned oil enhances flavor depth and helps tenderize the protein.
- Spinach Secrets: Wilting spinach first removes excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole texture.
- Cheese Charm: Mixing different cheeses creates a rich, creamy sauce with complex flavor layers.
- Easy Meal Hack: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Temperature Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg