Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole (Printable)
A comforting baked dish combining tender chicken with spinach and artichokes in a rich, cheesy sauce.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
03 - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
06 - 1 cup sour cream
07 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 cup milk
→ Pantry
11 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
16 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir the fresh spinach into the skillet and cook until completely wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and well blended.
05 - Fold the sautéed vegetable mixture, shredded chicken, chopped artichoke hearts, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes into the creamy base. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
06 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese topping is golden brown.
08 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh chopped parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It turns basic pantry staples and leftover chicken into something genuinely craveable without breaking a sweat.
- The creamy interior and golden cheese crust make it feel like comfort food from a restaurant but the effort level is delightfully low.
02 -
- Squeezing every bit of liquid from frozen spinach and canned artichokes prevents a watery casserole, and I learned this the soggy way more than once.
- Softening the cream cheese fully before mixing saves you from chasing pale lumps through your filling with a spatula.
03 -
- Use a rotisserie chicken and shred it while still warm since the meat pulls apart more easily and absorbs the sauce better.
- Let the casserole rest the full five minutes before serving because the filling sets up dramatically and portions much neater.