Description
This Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Casserole is a cozy, wholesome dish combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and earthy mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce topped with melty cheese and a golden crust. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, it cooks in one dish for minimal cleanup and is customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), divided
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
Toppings (Optional)
- ½ cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Sauté the chicken in a pan with butter or olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through, then set aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and their moisture has evaporated. Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream or half and half into the pan with the cooked vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or oregano. Stir continuously to combine and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring all flavors meld together.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and combine the cooked chicken with the creamy vegetable mixture. Mix in half of the shredded cheese to create a gooey base. Smooth the surface, then evenly sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Optionally, add bread crumbs for a crispy topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely and the top is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set, making it easier to portion and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach and mushrooms for brighter, more vibrant flavors.
- Do not overcook the chicken on the stove as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Combine mild melting cheeses like mozzarella with sharper cheeses like cheddar for optimal flavor and texture.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to prevent runny servings.
- Use an oven-safe dish to avoid spills and facilitate easy transfer from stove to oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg