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To make Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste and texture. Fresh spinach adds a bright color and flavor. Fresh artichokes can bring a unique depth, too. Cream cheese and sour cream should be smooth and creamy. They help bind the dish together. Fresh ingredients also boost nutrition. They keep the casserole light and enjoyable. When you use fresh items, your dish shines with flavor. You can swap some ingredients if needed. For the chicken, use rotisserie or leftover turkey. If you want a lighter option, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also use ricotta cheese for a different texture. For those who prefer no meat, skip the chicken entirely. Add more veggies, like mushrooms or bell peppers, instead. Lastly, if you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers work well for a crunchy topping. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the casserole cook evenly. A hot oven ensures a golden-brown top. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 can of chopped artichoke hearts, and 2 cups of chopped spinach. Make sure the spinach is fresh for the best taste. You want everything well combined. This mix is the heart of your casserole. In a separate bowl, blend 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for heat. Mix until smooth. This creamy blend will give your casserole a rich flavor. Carefully fold the cheese mixture into the chicken and vegetable mix. Make sure every piece gets coated. Then, transfer everything into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. This size helps the casserole cook evenly and makes serving easy. Sprinkle 1 cup of breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top. This adds a nice crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. This means your casserole is ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your tasty comfort dish! To get the best texture in your casserole, start with cooked chicken. Shredding it keeps the meat tender. Next, choose fresh spinach. It adds a bright taste and a nice crunch. When mixing the cheeses, ensure they blend well. This makes the filling creamy and smooth. Use breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil on top. This gives a crispy finish. Bake until the top turns golden brown. This step creates a great contrast with the soft filling. One common mistake is overcooking the casserole. Keep an eye on the time. When the top is golden, it’s done. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your mixture before baking. Adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your liking. Do not skip the breadcrumbs. They add crunch that balances the creamy filling. To boost flavors, try adding herbs like thyme or basil. They pair well with spinach and artichokes. If you like a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick. For a richer taste, use aged Parmesan cheese. Experiment with different cheeses, too. Goat cheese or cheddar can change the flavor profile in a fun way. Each small change makes the dish more exciting! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a delicious flavor. Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding different types of cheese such as cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on flavor. Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to add other vegetables like kale or broccoli to boost the nutritional value of the dish. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian dish, you can easily make this casserole meat-free. Simply skip the chicken. Use the same amount of artichoke hearts and spinach. Add more cream cheese and yogurt to keep it creamy. This dish becomes rich and satisfying without the chicken. You can also add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. Want to pack in more veggies? Try adding some diced zucchini or yellow squash. You can also toss in some chopped bell peppers or carrots. These will add color and nutrition to your casserole. Just remember to chop them small to cook evenly. Mix them with the chicken and artichokes for a tasty twist. If you need to change the protein, several options work well. You can use cooked quinoa or lentils for a plant-based choice. They add protein and fiber to your meal. For a heartier option, shredded turkey or even tofu works great. Just make sure you season well to keep the flavors bold. After enjoying your Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until hot. You can also microwave individual portions for faster reheating. Just make sure to cover them to prevent drying out. To freeze your casserole, first cool it completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy your tasty comfort dish any time! Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure you thaw and drain it well. Frozen spinach has a similar taste and works great in this dish. It saves time and adds nutrition. The casserole is done when it is hot throughout and the top is golden brown. You can check the center with a knife or fork. If it feels hot and the cheese is bubbly, it’s ready to serve. Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day before. Just follow all the steps and cover it well. Store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This article covered everything you need for a great Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole. We explored the key ingredients, including their freshness and possible swaps. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and tips to perfect the texture. Remember, you can customize this dish for different tastes and dietary needs. Proper storage and reheating will keep your leftovers tasty. Now, it’s your turn to create this delicious meal and impress those around you. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making the dish your own!

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring chicken, artichokes, and spinach, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped artichoke hearts, and chopped spinach.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
  • Fold the cheese mixture into the chicken mixture until everything is coated evenly.
  • Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole for added crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal!
Keyword artichoke, casserole, chicken, spinach