SPINACH ARTICHOKE CHICKEN CASSEROLE ULTIMATE

Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling, cheesy dream where tender chicken mingles with the creamy, savory flavors of spinach and artichoke. This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole is pure comfort food magic, and I promise you, it’s easier to make than you think, delivering a restaurant-worthy dish straight to your table!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spinach Artichoke Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside. Don’t worry about cooking it perfectly; it will finish cooking in the casserole!

Step 2: Make the Spinach Artichoke Filling

1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the thawed and squeezed-dry spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, milk, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the spinach artichoke mixture and the cooked chicken to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the chicken and spinach artichoke mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Drizzle with the melted butter and toss to combine.
3. Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 4: Bake!

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
2. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set up a bit.

Tips and Tricks for Casserole Perfection

Squeezing the Spinach is Key!

Seriously, don’t skip this step! Excess moisture from the spinach will make your casserole watery. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible after thawing the spinach.

Get Creative with Cheese

While mozzarella is a classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! A blend of mozzarella and provolone would be delicious, or even a sprinkle of Gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor. The Chicken Parmesan Casserole uses a similar principle, showcasing the versatility of cheese in casseroles.

Make it Ahead

Casseroles are perfect for making ahead! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Spice it Up!

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach artichoke filling, or use a spicy cheese blend for the topping.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Add Some Veggies

Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions. Think of it like a Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole, but with a spinach artichoke twist!

Swap the Chicken

If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or even shredded rotisserie chicken. You could also easily substitute with turkey or even leftover ham!

Make it Gluten-Free

Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. You can also find gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to replace some of the cream cheese mixture if you want an even richer casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a meal in itself, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up all that delicious sauce
• Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes

Storing and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven. To reheat in the oven, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil during the last few minutes to crisp up the topping. You could even consider something like Creamy Chicken Enchiladas for your next leftover transformation!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it perfectly balances flavor and convenience. The combination of creamy, savory, and cheesy elements makes it incredibly satisfying, while the simple steps ensure it’s easy to make even on a busy weeknight. Plus, the ability to customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, and proteins makes it a versatile option for any palate.

Think of it as a more comforting, casserole version of Creamy Alfredo Chicken, but baked to bubbly perfection! Or even a richer version of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta but in casserole form.

For a pasta bake alternative, check out the Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake for another delicious option.

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole that will become a family favorite! Enjoy!