Cheesy Spinach & Chicken Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice) This low carb chicken casserole is packed with nutrients. Each serving has about: - 350 calories - 25 grams of protein - 5 grams of carbs - 28 grams of fat These numbers can help you stay on track with your low carb goals. You can easily swap some ingredients if needed: - For the chicken, use turkey or tofu for a different protein. - Instead of cream cheese, try Greek yogurt for a lighter option. - If you want a dairy-free version, use cashew cream instead of cheese. - You can replace spinach with kale or broccoli for a new flavor. These swaps keep your casserole tasty while fitting your diet. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need cooked chicken, fresh spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Also, grab chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45 minutes in total. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and stir it for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to wilt down. While that cooks, mix the cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until it is smooth. Now, fold in the shredded chicken and wilted spinach. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese to the mix. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. Now, top it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you're feeling spicy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious low carb chicken casserole! To make a great low carb chicken casserole, start with cooked chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken. Shredded chicken mixes well with the creamy sauce. Use fresh, chopped spinach for the best flavor and texture. Cook the spinach until it wilts, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds a nice depth to your dish. Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients. When you combine the cream cheese with the chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder, mix until it’s smooth. This ensures every bite is tasty. For serving, I like to use individual bowls. It makes the dish feel special and elegant. You can garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color. This small touch adds a lot to the dish. Serve it warm, and let everyone enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness. Pair the casserole with a light salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad with olive oil and vinegar works great. You can also add some sliced avocado for healthy fats. To boost the flavor, use quality ingredients. Fresh spinach and good cheese make a big difference. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. Just a little can spice things up nicely. You can also mix in some herbs like thyme or oregano. These add a lovely aroma and taste. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving adds brightness. It can really wake up the flavors in your casserole. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Fresh Spinach vs. Frozen: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and texture, but if you're short on time, frozen spinach works just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before use. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor twist. Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the mix. {{image_2}} You can change the recipe to keep it low carb. Instead of regular cream cheese, use a light version. This cuts down on carbs and calories. You can also swap the chicken broth for a low-sodium option. This helps keep the flavor without adding extra salt. Consider adding cauliflower rice instead of pasta. It gives you a nice base and stays low in carbs. Making a vegetarian version is easy and still tasty. Replace the chicken with chopped mushrooms or zucchini. These veggies add texture and flavor. Use the same amount as the chicken. You can also add extra spinach or even some bell peppers for more color. This option keeps all the creaminess and flavors but is meat-free. You can switch up the flavors for fun. Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes or some jalapeños. You can also try different cheeses. Goat cheese or feta can give a tangy twist. For a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika. These simple changes can make the dish new each time you cook it. To keep your low carb chicken casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. The casserole will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove all the air. This will help avoid freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating is easy and quick. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it 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 minutes or until warm. If using a microwave, put a portion on a plate. Heat it in short bursts, checking each time. Stir it to ensure even heating. Enjoy your delicious casserole! Yes, you can use leftover chicken. It's a great way to save time. Just shred your cooked chicken into small pieces. This will blend well with the other ingredients. If you have rotisserie chicken, that works too. It adds flavor and keeps things easy. If you want a cream cheese swap, try sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both add creaminess to your dish. You can also use cottage cheese, but blend it first for a smoother texture. Each of these options will change the taste slightly, so pick one you like best. You can store the casserole in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. Just remember to let it cool before freezing. In this post, we covered essential ingredients for your casserole, along with their nutrition. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and bake your dish. I shared tips for perfecting your casserole and suggested serving ideas. We explored variations like low carb and vegetarian options for different tastes. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious casserole that suits your needs. Enjoy your cooking!$

Cheesy Spinach & Chicken Casserole

A delicious and creamy casserole made with chicken, spinach, and cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
to taste Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Fold in the shredded chicken, cooked spinach, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese into the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you like a hint of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an elegant touch. Enjoy!

Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, spinach