If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, then my Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole is just what you need! The creamy goodness of the artichoke and spinach melds perfectly with tender shredded chicken, creating a dish that’s not just delightful to eat but also a breeze to whip up. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma wafting through my kitchen had everyone flocking to the table, eager for a taste. Trust me, the combination of melted mozzarella and rich cream cheese makes this casserole irresistibly delicious! It’s become a go-to meal in my home, and I think it will be in yours too, especially when you want something satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I love using rotisserie chicken for this, it saves time and adds great flavor!
- 1 cup spinach, chopped: Fresh or frozen works here; just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture if you’re using frozen.
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped: Canned or frozen will do the trick; just drain and rinse if canned.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Let it sit at room temperature for easier mixing—trust me, it makes your life so much simpler!
- 1/2 cup sour cream: For that extra creaminess; Greek yogurt can be a great substitute if you prefer.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: I always grab the fresh stuff for that gooey, melty goodness!
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nice salty kick; feel free to use more if you’re feeling cheesy!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for flavor; you can also use fresh minced garlic if you have it on hand.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This gives depth to the dish; it’s such a simple yet impactful addition.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season; it’s all about balance and enhancing those yummy flavors!
How to Prepare Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out bubbly and golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and artichoke hearts. Get in there and mix it up well so every bite has a bit of everything!
- Next, add in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle in that garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Now, mix everything until it’s beautifully blended. It might take a bit of elbow grease, but it’s so worth it!
- Once your mixture is ready, transfer it into a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s all bubbly and the top is a lovely golden color.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—you want to avoid the lava-like cheese situation when digging in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep: You can whip this up in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comforting flavors: The creamy combination of spinach, artichokes, and cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Health-conscious: Packed with protein from chicken and plenty of veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.
- One-dish wonder: Less mess means more time to relax and enjoy dinner with family or friends.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress!
Tips for Success
To make your Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole a surefire hit, here are some of my favorite tips! First, be sure to drain your artichoke hearts well; excess moisture can make the casserole watery. If you’re using frozen spinach, always squeeze out the extra water before adding it in—nobody wants a soggy dish!
Also, don’t rush the mixing process. You want all those ingredients to get to know each other well, so mix until everything is evenly combined. If you love cheese (who doesn’t?), feel free to sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top before baking for an even cheesier finish! Lastly, let your casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it firm up a bit, making serving easier. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Variations of Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this casserole! For a spicy kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes—trust me, it’ll wake up your taste buds! If you’re a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, chop some up and toss them in for a burst of flavor. You can also swap out the chicken for cooked shrimp or even some hearty beans for a vegetarian twist.
Feeling like a flavor fiesta? Try adding some taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex flair! And if you want to boost the nutrition, toss in some cooked quinoa or brown rice. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop it in for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker fix—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Trust me, it tastes just as delicious the next day, and you’ll love having this cozy meal ready to go!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for my Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, so you can feel good about what you’re eating! Per serving (about 1 cup), you can expect:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. It’s a satisfying and nourishing dish that balances flavor and nutrition perfectly!
FAQ about Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh spinach works beautifully in this casserole. Just make sure to chop it up and sauté it briefly to wilt it down before mixing it in. This helps to reduce moisture and enhances the flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’d like a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute! It’ll still give you that creamy texture, plus a nice tangy flavor. You could also try using cottage cheese, but be sure to blend it well for a smoother consistency.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
How do I know when it’s done baking? You’ll know your Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. A gentle poke in the center should feel hot and firm! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
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Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole: 5 Irresistible Reasons
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy and delicious spinach artichoke chicken casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Add more cheese for a cheesier casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole