Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole (Printable Version)
Creamy chicken with spinach and artichokes in a golden cheesy crust
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
06 - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
07 - 1 cup sour cream
08 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Pantry & Seasonings
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and set aside.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well blended.
05 - Fold shredded chicken, chopped artichoke hearts, the spinach-onion mixture, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the cream base. Mix until evenly incorporated.
06 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese uniformly across the top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
08 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the filling to set before slicing and serving.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It takes everything irresistible about spinach artichoke dip and turns it into a complete meal that fills the house with an amazing smell.
- Using rotisserie chicken means you can have the whole thing assembled in under twenty minutes without breaking a sweat.
02 -
- Do not skip draining the artichoke hearts thoroughly, because excess liquid will make the casserole soupy instead of creamy.
- The cream cheese absolutely must be softened before mixing, or you will end up chasing lumps around the bowl in frustration.
03 -
- Shred your own cheese from a block rather than buying pre shredded bags, because the anti caking agents on bagged cheese prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Let the casserole rest those full five minutes before serving, as the flavors settle and the texture firms up just enough to serve beautifully.