Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender chicken, melted cheese, and fresh spinach, it’s a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

A shiny silver pan holds four pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken breast, each with a slightly crispy texture and sprinkled with ground black pepper. The chicken lies in a creamy, light beige sauce mixed with fresh, bright green spinach leaves scattered around and slightly wilted in the sauce. The pan is placed on a soft green cloth on a white marbled surface, with small white bowls of salt and pepper nearby. The scene has natural light, showing the warm and fresh look of the meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan
  • 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
  • Optional: fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
  3. Step 3: Add in 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt. Mix again until combined.
  4. Step 4: Fold in the sun-dried tomatoes in oil, spinach, and shredded chicken until evenly combined.
  5. Step 5: Spread mixture into a medium baking dish or large cast iron skillet and smooth into an even layer.
  6. Step 6: Top with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
  8. Step 8: Broil for 1 minute, or until the cheese on top is golden brown.
  9. Step 9: Garnish with extra sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer flavor, use smoked mozzarella or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Swap spinach for kale or swiss chard if you prefer a different leafy green.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
  • If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil, rehydrate dry sun-dried tomatoes in warm water before chopping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. Microwaving is quick but may make the texture less creamy.

How to Serve

A shiny metal pan filled with four browned chicken breasts cooking in a creamy pale yellow sauce, scattered with bright green spinach leaves. The chicken has a crispy golden-brown crust with black pepper flecks on top. The sauce looks smooth and thick, partially covering the chicken and spinach. The pan sits on a soft green cloth on a white marbled surface, with small white bowls of pepper and salt nearby, and a glass of water in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking cold.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe option for those avoiding gluten.

Print
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Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake Recipe


  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake is a rich and comforting casserole combining tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with golden mozzarella, it’s perfect for a hearty family dinner or a satisfying meal prep option.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 1 ½ cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (divided, 1 cup plus ½ cup)
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan
  • 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh basil
  • Extra sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Mix Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, shredded parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt into the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Fold in Vegetables and Chicken: Gently fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes (with oil), roughly chopped spinach, and shredded cooked chicken until the mixture is evenly combined.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a medium baking dish or a large cast iron skillet and smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
  6. Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella over the top in an even layer.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
  8. Broil for Coloring: After baking, switch the oven to broil and broil the casserole for 1 minute to brown the cheese until it takes on a golden color. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with extra sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil if desired. Serve warm for a creamy, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick prep.
  • If sun-dried tomatoes in oil are not available, rehydrate dry tomatoes in warm water before chopping.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of minced for a stronger garlic flavor, adjusting quantity accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Bake,Chicken Spinach Casserole,Cheesy Chicken Bake,Comfort Food,Easy Chicken Recipe

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