Explore the simple indulgence of our Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. Featuring key ingredients like rotisserie chicken, creamy chive and onion cream cheese, fresh spinach, and a bubbly mozzarella topping, this dish promises a comforting and satisfying meal.
Every recipe has its own tale, and the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole holds a special place in my kitchen. Picture this: a hectic Wednesday evening, the kids are starving, and there's leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge begging to be transformed. Inspired by a sudden craving for something creamy and a bag of spinach that was about to wilt, this casserole was born. It turned out to be a smashing success, not only satisfying the growling stomachs at the table but also sneaking in some greens in a way that even the pickiest eater couldn’t refuse. Now, it’s our go-to meal for those days when comfort food is the only answer to life’s chaos.
Why You'll Love Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Dive into the comfort of our Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole, a dish that promises not just to nourish but to impress. Here’s why you'll want to add this recipe to your culinary repertoire:
- Simplicity Meets Flavor: Utilizing pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and precooked rice speeds up the process without sacrificing depth of flavor, making this an ideal recipe for busy weeknights.
- Healthful Indulgence: With the inclusion of spinach and whole milk, this casserole brings a balance of creamy indulgence and beneficial nutrients, blending both decadence and virtue in each bite.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, ensuring that this dish keeps giving even after the initial meal, making your efforts in the kitchen go further.
Ingredients Notes
Let’s break down the key players in our Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole and how they work together to create magic in the kitchen:
- Rotisserie Chicken: The pre-cooked nature of rotisserie chicken not only saves time but infuses your casserole with a deep, savory flavor that can't be matched.
- Chive and Onion Cream Cheese: This adds a lush, creamy texture with a hint of onion and chive that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Spinach: Using frozen spinach, which is already chopped and easy to thaw, makes this ingredient a convenient source of fiber and nutrients, effortlessly elevating the health quotient of the dish.
- Cheeses: The combination of part-skim mozzarella and parmesan creates a perfect melt and adds a rich, cheesy crust that’s irresistible.
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How To Make The Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Let’s make your kitchen endeavors as simple as possible with a step-by-step guide to creating the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and setting up your ingredients for easy access. This will streamline your cooking process and reduce stress.
- Building the Flavor Base: Sauté onions, garlic, and spices in butter. This foundational step is crucial as it develops the deep flavors that will permeate the entire dish.
- Thickening the Sauce: Integrate flour and gradually whisk in milk to create a thick, velvety base that will bind all the ingredients together seamlessly.
- Combining the Core Ingredients: Stir in the cream cheese, chicken, rice, spinach, and citrus elements until everything is beautifully combined and ready to be baked.
- Baking to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden. This not only cooks the casserole but also gives it a delightful texture contrast between the creamy interior and the crispy cheese topping.
- Broiling for Brilliance: A quick broil at the end crisps the top, adding a gratifying crunch that perfectly complements the creamy base.
Storage Options
The Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole keeps well both in the refrigerator and the freezer. For refrigeration, let the casserole cool completely before covering it with foil or transferring it to an airtight container; it will stay fresh for up to three days. If freezing, wrap the cooled casserole tightly with both plastic wrap and foil, and it will maintain its quality for up to two months. Remember, always thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.
Variations and Substitutions
Whether due to dietary restrictions or just a desire to experiment, here are some simple tweaks you can make to the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole recipe:
- Go Green: Swap out spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different kind of nutritional punch.
- Dairy Alternatives: Use almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese to cater to those with lactose intolerance without compromising on the creamy texture.
- Protein Varieties: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! Try using shredded turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gouda or Swiss to discover new flavor profiles that might tickle your palate.
There you go, your complete guide to making, enjoying, and personalizing the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole!
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Ingredients
- Cooking Spray
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 ½ cups Yellow Onion finely chopped
- 6 cloves Garlic thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons Dried Italian Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
- 1 ¾ teaspoons Kosher Salt divided
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 ½ cups Whole Milk
- 4 ounces Chive and Onion Cream Cheese
- 4 cups Rotisserie Chicken shredded
- 3 cups Long-Grain White Rice cooked
- 2 packages 10 ounces each Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed out
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 8 ounces Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Preparation of Ingredients: Assemble all ingredients to ensure availability and ease of use during the cooking process.
Oven Preheating and Dish Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Adjust the oven rack to the upper third position.
- Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish evenly with cooking spray.
Sautéing the Base:
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ¾ teaspoon of the kosher salt.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
Creating the Roux:
- Stir in the flour and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk, continuing to stir constantly to prevent any lumps, until the mixture slightly thickens, about 3 minutes.
Combining the Main Ingredients:
- Incorporate the cream cheese and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt into the sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is homogeneous.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked rice, drained spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Baking:
- Transfer the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese on top is melted, approximately 15 minutes.
Broiling for a Golden Finish:
- After baking, turn the oven to broil.
- Broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
