Description
This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered with fresh spinach and smothered in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and parmesan cheese. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, this casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that serves eight.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts (2 chicken breasts, cut in half crosswise)
Vegetables
- 8 oz fresh spinach
Dairy & Sauces
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 500°F to preheat while you prepare the other components of the casserole.
- Prepare the baking dish and sauce: Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, and garlic salt to create the creamy sauce mixture.
- Layer the spinach: Place the fresh spinach evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, packing it down gently to create a base layer.
- Add the chicken: Arrange the uncooked chicken breast pieces over the spinach layer in the dish.
- Spread the sauce: Evenly pour and spread the creamy sauce mixture on top of the chicken and spinach layers, covering them thoroughly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over the sauce-covered chicken and spinach.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole on the bottom rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the chicken breasts are cooked through completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving this warm, cheesy, and creamy chicken casserole.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, use light mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream.
- Alternatively, add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a slight spicy kick.
- This casserole pairs well with a side of rice or steamed vegetables.
