Keto Chicken and Spinach Casserole
A comforting and nutritious casserole made with tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and a creamy cheese blend, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is the kind of comfort food that is both satisfying and nutritious. With tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and a creamy cheese blend, this dish has quickly become a staple in my household. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and hard to resist.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and its taste. It’s a quick, budget-friendly meal that gives you a hearty dose of protein and greens in every bite: about 52 g of protein and 7 g of net carbs per serving (the Parmesan is counted in those numbers). It works for weeknight dinners and for guests, and it is rich without being overly heavy.
The cooking process explained
Making Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is straightforward and comes down to a few simple steps. Marinate the chicken, prepare the creamy spinach filling, then bake everything until the cheese is golden. The effort is minimal and the flavor is big.
What you’ll need
To make this casserole for 4, gather these ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 24 oz / 680 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, included in the nutrition numbers)
Feel free to swap the herbs for your own favorites. Full-fat cream cheese keeps the carbs lowest and the texture creamiest.
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. Using a mallet, gently pound the thicker ends for even cooking.
- In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, turn to coat, cover, and let it marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese. Stir in the cooked spinach, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan if using.
- Optionally, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side for added flavor and color.
- Arrange the chicken cutlets in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and spinach mixture over each piece and top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
- Prep
- 30 MIN
- Cook
- 30 MIN
- Total
- 1 HR
- Serves
- 4
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
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0 OF 9 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Serve warm with a garden salad or crusty bread. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
04Nutrition
Per serving- Calories
- 569
- Protein
- 48G
- Net carbs
- 7G
- Fat
- 39G
- Fiber
- 0G
Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber. Numbers are estimates from the ingredients listed.
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Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this casserole warm, straight out of the oven, for the best cheese pull. It pairs well with a light garden salad or roasted broccoli, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top looks lovely.
How to store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat until the center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the oven or microwave.
Creative twists
Customize it to your family’s tastes. A few chopped artichoke hearts or a small handful of sun-dried tomatoes make an easy add-in (they add a few extra carbs, so check your numbers if you are counting). Swapping part of the cream cheese for Greek yogurt makes it lighter, but add extra seasoning to keep the flavor.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
About an hour from start to finish, including the marinating time.
Can I substitute spinach with other greens?
Yes. Kale or Swiss chard work well, and they add different flavors. Cook them a little longer than spinach.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it thoroughly when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a quick, comforting meal that suits weeknights and potlucks alike. Its creamy texture and rich flavors are sure to please everyone at the table.
Casseroles
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