Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole (Creamy & Cheesy!) Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and flavorful artichokes, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

A white baking dish holds a baked spinach and cheese casserole with a golden brown, bubbly melted cheese layer on top, featuring spots of darker brown toasted cheese. The second layer, visible as a scoop is lifted by a spoon held by a woman's hand, shows cooked spinach mixed into a creamy, light-colored sauce with soft textures underneath the crust. The baking dish rests partially on a blue and white striped cloth on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 cups artichoke hearts, roughly chopped (frozen and defrosted, or canned and drained)
  • 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
  • 2 heaping cups cooked chicken

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl, combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Beat with the paddle attachment until smooth and well blended. If you don’t have a mixer, mix thoroughly by hand using a wooden spoon—ensure the cream cheese is very soft.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped artichoke hearts, baby spinach, and cooked chicken to the mixture. Stir gently by hand until everything is evenly incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish with avocado oil or cooking spray. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan over the top.
  5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  6. Step 6: Let the casserole cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to ensure even portions and easier serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh garlic instead of minced from a jar for a brighter flavor.
  • Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to add richness.
  • For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the cheese mixture.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent the casserole from drying out.

How to Serve

A rectangular white baking dish filled with a baked casserole that has a golden brown and bubbly cheese layer on top. The top cheese layer is unevenly browned with spots of darker crust and lighter creamy areas, showing hints of spinach or greens mixed beneath. The casserole surface has a slightly crispy texture around the edges, and the inside looks creamy with visible green leafy bits. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially underneath, along with some fresh spinach leaves scattered nearby. Two metal serving spoons are placed next to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the mixture to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Is it necessary to use cooked chicken, or can I use raw?

Cooked chicken is recommended for this recipe to ensure even cooking and to avoid drying out the casserole. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or bake chicken breasts ahead of time.

Print

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole (Creamy & Cheesy!) Recipe

This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with artichoke hearts, spinach, and a blend of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, it makes a perfect hearty dinner or meal prep option.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Dairy Mixture

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Vegetables and Protein

  • 3 cups artichoke hearts, roughly chopped (frozen and defrosted, or canned and drained)
  • 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
  • 2 heaping cups cooked chicken

Miscellaneous

  • Avocado oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon if the cream cheese is soft enough.
  3. Add Vegetables and Chicken: To the same bowl, add the chopped artichoke hearts, baby spinach, and cooked chicken. Gently stir by hand until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into the creamy mixture.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch ceramic baking dish with avocado oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cream cheese chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to form a uniform layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and about 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese on top.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld.
  7. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling beautifully.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving. Enjoy warm as a hearty, cheesy main dish.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
  • You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt if preferred.
  • The chicken can be any cooked type—leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie, or shredded poached chicken works well.
  • Frozen artichoke hearts should be defrosted and drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps with slicing and enhances flavors.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, double-check that all ingredients like prepared chicken and yogurt are gluten-free certified.

Keywords: Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken dish, spinach artichoke dip casserole, baked chicken casserole

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