There’s something about a cozy casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate, isn’t there? I absolutely adore my Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole! I still remember the first time I whipped this up for a game night with friends. We were all a little skeptical about the spinach and artichokes at first—who could blame us? But the reactions when they took that first bite? Pure bliss! It quickly became the star of our feast, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a casserole dish emptied so fast.
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect blend of creamy goodness with a delightful crunch on top, thanks to the cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s incredibly simple—great for busy weeknights or special occasions. So, let’s get cooking because your taste buds are in for a treat!
What’s in Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole?
Cooked, shredded chicken: This is the heart of the dish! You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken from the store for ease. It really saves time!
Frozen chopped spinach: Make sure you thaw and drain it well. This leafy green adds both nutrition and a beautiful color to our casserole.
Artichoke hearts: These tangy delights add a unique flavor and a lovely texture. I usually use canned ones for convenience, but fresh artichokes will elevate it!
Cream cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Sour cream: It adds a tangy freshness to the casserole. You might want to try light sour cream if you’re watching calories!
Mayonnaise: This adds a rich creaminess that makes the casserole decadent. I prefer a quality brand for better flavor.
Garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic!
Onion powder: It complements the garlic nicely and eliminates the need for chopping onions (win-win!).
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors. You can adjust the salt based on your dietary needs too.
Grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a layer of savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey goodness that’s the final touch! I can’t resist adding a little extra on top for that ultimate cheesy experience.
Is Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Good for You?
Well, let me lay it all out for you! This casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and good-for-you fiber from the spinach and artichokes. It’s definitely a comforting dish, but be mindful of the creamy ingredients like mayonnaise and sour cream. They add fantastic flavor and texture, but they also add calories.
On the brighter side, the spinach brings in some excellent vitamins such as A, C, and K. Plus, artichokes are a great source of antioxidants. So while this dish is indulgent, it has elements that can contribute positively to your nutrition!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Optional: additional mozzarella cheese for topping
This recipe yields about 6 servings—perfect for a family dinner or for meal prep!
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, thawed spinach, and chopped artichoke hearts.
3. In another bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and, if desired, additional cheese for extra melty goodness.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Casserole Magic: Tips & Variations
– **Make Ahead:** You can assemble this casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes if it’s coming straight out of the fridge.
– **Substitutions:** Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms! You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or mayonnaise to lighten it up a bit.
– **Serving Suggestions:** This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. It’s also fantastic on its own if you want to keep it simple!
So there you have it! Dive into this creamy, cheesy goodness that is Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turned out! I’m always excited to hear about your kitchen adventures! Happy cooking!
