Description
This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish combining tender shredded chicken, chopped artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, and a flavorful blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- 14 ounces artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (1 can)
- 4 ounces fresh spinach (about 3 cups)
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Chicken and Artichokes: Evenly spread the shredded cooked chicken in the prepared baking dish. Then, distribute the chopped artichoke hearts evenly over the chicken layer.
- Make the Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended. Gently fold in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and the fresh spinach, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and artichokes in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown, indicating the cheese has melted perfectly.
- Optional Broil: For an extra browned and crispy top, switch your oven to broil and broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. This casserole is delicious on its own or served over rice, cauliflower rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream is a healthier substitution that maintains creaminess.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily with other ingredients.
- Freshly shredded and grated cheeses melt better and enhance the flavor compared to pre-shredded options with preservatives.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a crispy cheesy top layer.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
