Creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Melted Mozzarella

Introduction

When I first made this Creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Melted Mozzarella, I was hoping it would be a simple and comforting dinner for my family. But little did I know, it would quickly become one of our favorite go-to dishes. The creamy mixture of green onion cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth is rich and flavorful, while the combination of tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach adds a perfect balance of savory, earthy, and fresh flavors. As the cheese melts and bubbles on top, it turns into a deliciously gooey, satisfying casserole that has everyone coming back for seconds. What I love most about this dish is its versatility and how easy it is to make — all you need are a few ingredients, one skillet, and a casserole dish. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup green onion cream cheese (or regular cream cheese with finely chopped green onions)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms become tender and golden brown. Once done, remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Wilt the Spinach: In the same skillet, add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside with the mushrooms.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the green onion cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. This will form the creamy base for your casserole.
5. Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, layer the cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and wilted spinach. Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the top, ensuring everything is coated with the sauce.
6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the casserole. These cheeses will melt beautifully and create a golden, bubbly crust on top.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. The casserole should be heated through, with the cheese forming a delicious layer over the creamy chicken and vegetables.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the rich casserole.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• Main Course: Serve this creamy casserole as a hearty main dish for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Side Dish: This casserole can also be served as a side dish to roasted meats or grilled chicken for an extra dose of flavor.
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep, as it stores well and can be easily reheated for busy days.

Additional Tips

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that still delivers delicious results.
2. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for a more veggie-packed casserole.
3. Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the creamy mixture for an added kick.
4. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
5. Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients of any store-bought cream cheese or sour cream to ensure they are gluten-free.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, simply replace the chicken with additional vegetables such as cauliflower or squash. You can also use a meat substitute, like tofu or tempeh, if you prefer.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese substitutes to make this casserole dairy-free.
• Low-Carb Version: To reduce carbs, substitute the sour cream and cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use a lower-carb cheese like mozzarella.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of warm garlic bread to complement the creamy richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a more balanced meal.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce for a complete dinner.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After it cools, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

3. Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, ground beef, or even a plant-based protein for a variation.

4. How can I make this casserole lower in fat?
You can reduce the amount of cheese and use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to cut down on the fat content.

5. Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a smaller casserole dish. Just reduce the ingredients proportionally and adjust the baking time.

6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker by layering the ingredients and cooking on low for 3-4 hours.

7. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of your favorites.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your cream cheese and sour cream are gluten-free.

9. Can I make this without the mushrooms?
Yes, you can omit the mushrooms or substitute them with other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

10. How long does this casserole last?
Stored in an airtight container, the casserole will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Melted Mozzarella is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, yet easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner party, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and gooey melted cheese makes each bite irresistible. Plus, it’s customizable to fit your dietary needs, whether you prefer a lighter, low-fat version or want to add more vegetables for extra nutrition. This dish is a must-try and will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation!

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