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Chicken and Spinach Casserole: Comfort Food at Its Best

Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Made with tender shredded chicken, cooked rice, and hearty spinach, this casserole is layered with a rich, flavorful sauce and topped with a bubbly, golden cheese crust. It’s easy to make and ready in under an hour, making it an ideal go-to recipe for busy nights.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

  • Cooking spray
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
  • 6 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 ¾ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2½ cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese
  • 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the rack in the upper third position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and translucent (about 4 minutes).
  3. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  4. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until slightly thickened (about 3 minutes).
  5. Add cream cheese and remaining salt, and cook, stirring until fully combined.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded chicken, cooked rice, spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest until evenly mixed.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Turn on the broiler and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and slightly browned.
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 482 per serving