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The creamy chicken spinach casserole is a joy to make. It uses simple, wholesome ingredients that blend together to create a comforting dish. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cooked brown rice - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil This recipe shines with cooked chicken, which adds protein and flavor. Fresh spinach brings in a vibrant color and nutrients. Brown rice serves as a hearty base, while cream cheese and sour cream create a rich, creamy texture. Use garlic powder and onion powder for a punch of flavor. Nutmeg adds warmth to the dish. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. For a crispy topping, breadcrumbs mixed with mozzarella cheese and olive oil provide a delightful crunch. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. They will help you create a creamy chicken spinach casserole that is sure to please everyone at your table. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with a bit of olive oil. This helps the casserole not stick. 2. Combine the main ingredients in a mixing bowl. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and cooked brown rice. Add the cream cheese and sour cream. Then, toss in half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well mixed. 3. Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish. Pour the chicken and spinach mix into your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. This will help it cook properly. 1. Mix breadcrumbs, mozzarella, and olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, the rest of the mozzarella cheese, and olive oil. This mix gives a nice crunch to the top. 2. Sprinkle topping over the casserole. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mix on top of the casserole. Make sure every part gets some topping for a great texture. 1. Bake the casserole. Place the dish in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and make sure it's heated through. 2. Cooling period before serving. Once done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help set the casserole and make it easier to serve. To get a smooth and creamy texture, mix cream cheese and sour cream well. This blend adds richness and keeps the dish moist. Make sure your cream cheese is softened. This step helps it combine easily with other ingredients. For seasoning, start with garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. These spices enhance the dish's flavor. Taste your mixture before baking. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. A little salt brings out the best flavors. When serving, keep the casserole in the dish. This adds a homey touch. For an appealing look, garnish with fresh parsley or basil. The green adds color and freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of extra mozzarella before serving. This extra cheese creates a fun, gooey top. If you want, serve with a simple green salad on the side. This adds a fresh crunch and balances the creaminess. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and saves cooking time. Fresh Spinach Alternatives: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can substitute with frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique flavor profile in your casserole. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. {{image_2}} You can switch proteins in this casserole. Turkey works well if you have some on hand. If you want a vegetarian option, try tofu. Both options give you tasty results. You can also change the cheese or rice. Instead of mozzarella, use cheddar or gouda. They add a nice twist to the dish. For rice, white rice or quinoa can work too. They will keep the texture light and fluffy. To boost flavor, try adding herbs and spices. Thyme and rosemary pair well with chicken and spinach. You can sprinkle them in while mixing the main ingredients. Adding more vegetables can also enhance the dish. Consider diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. These veggies not only add flavor but also make the casserole more colorful. To keep your creamy chicken spinach casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to four days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This step avoids condensation inside the container. You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. To do this, allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This method helps keep out air and moisture. The casserole can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. This way, the casserole warms evenly and stays creamy. If you want, cover it with foil while reheating to keep the top from browning too much. Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it well first. This helps remove excess water. Frozen spinach saves time and still tastes good in the casserole. To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. You can use crushed gluten-free crackers or even ground nuts. This keeps the texture crunchy without gluten. Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This casserole goes well with many side dishes. Some good options are: - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad These sides add balance and flavor to your meal. This blog post gave you the tools to make a creamy chicken spinach casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make it perfect. Variations expand your options, and storage info helps keep leftovers fresh. In conclusion, this dish combines taste and nutrition in an easy way. You can easily customize it to suit your needs. Enjoy creating a meal that brings smiles to the table!

Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole

A delicious and creamy casserole featuring chicken, spinach, and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with a little olive oil.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cooked brown rice, cream cheese, sour cream, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
  • Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
  • Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot in the casserole dish garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Keyword casserole, chicken, creamy, spinach