Description

Are you looking for a heartwarming dish that brings both comfort and a touch of sophistication to your dinner table? Look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole! This delightful casserole is a modern twist on the classics that our grandmothers used to whip up, and it’s perfect for families looking to savor a meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as a mix of chicken, creamy goodness, and nutritious greens meld together in a bubbling dish that has just come out of the oven. Rotisserie chicken lends rich flavor and saves precious preparation time, while the creamy chive and onion cream cheese create a velvety texture that wraps around tender chicken pieces and vibrant spinach. The whole dish is topped with a golden, cheesy crust of melted mozzarella and parmesan that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy meal for two, this casserole has got you covered. It's easily adaptable, so feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. And did we mention it stores beautifully, making for a sumptuous leftover meal? The magic of this casserole lies in its simplicity and heartiness, making it an instant family favorite.

Keep reading to discover each step involved in making this dish, ensuring your kitchen experience is both enjoyable and rewarding!

Ingredients

• To whip up this creamy delight, you will need the following ingredients:
• For the Casserole
• - 4 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
• - 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• - 1 package (8 ounces) chive and onion cream cheese, softened
• - 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
• - 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced
• - 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• - Salt, to taste
• - Black pepper, to taste
• - 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1 teaspoon onion powder
• For the Topping
• - 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• - ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• *Optional Substitutions:*
• - If you're looking to skip the chicken, you can swap in cooked turkey or even a medley of mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• - Feel free to use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just sauté it briefly in a little olive oil to reduce moisture before adding it to the casserole.
• - To cater to lactose intolerance, there are non-dairy cream cheeses and milk alternatives available that you can use.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare your workspace and gather all ingredients and utensils.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
5. Stir in dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
6. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 2 minutes to create a roux.
7. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 4-6 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in softened cream cheese until melted.
9. Add shredded chicken, thawed spinach, lemon juice, and zest; mix well.
10. Fold in uncooked rice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
11. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
12. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan on top.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
14. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
15. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Conclusion

Storing leftovers is a breeze! If you happen to have any casserole remaining after your meal, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you’ve made extra portions, consider freezing them in individual portions. This way, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go for busy days ahead—simply thaw, heat, and enjoy!

For a twist, you can also play around with variations of the casserole. Want to add some crunch? Toss in a cup of cooked diced bell peppers or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs on top before broiling for a delightful crunch. Have a love for herbs? A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving can add brightness and freshness to the dish.
With every bite of this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole, you’ll experience the comforting blend of savory chicken, the nutritious green of spinach, and the utterly delightful cream cheese sauce that binds it all together. It’s a nourishing dish that encompasses flavors reminiscent of home cooking, easy to prepare for any occasion.

As you savor your creation, take a moment to appreciate the journey you just took through your kitchen. The time and care you invested into this dish will reflect in its exquisite flavor, and we hope it becomes a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.

If you enjoyed this recipe, we invite you to explore other delicious options available on our site, such as our cheesy vegetable lasagna or hearty beef and mushroom pot pie. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family; they’ll be glad you did!

Now that your taste buds are begging for more delightful ideas, continue browsing for inspiration and discover additional recipes that will become staples in your home cooking tradition. Happy cooking!