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Recipe by:

Sara Crocker

Delicious Chicken and Spinach Casserole for Holidays

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole combines tender chicken and vibrant spinach in a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Group: Ingredients
  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 cups fresh spinach, packed
  • 1 cup crème fraîche (or sour cream)
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add the fresh spinach, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until wilted, then remove from heat.
  4. In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onions and spinach, crème fraîche, and half of the cheeses. Stir until well combined, then mix in the cooked rice.
  5. Spread the mixture back into the skillet, top with remaining cheeses and breadcrumbs if desired.
  6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

This casserole can be assembled a day in advance for convenience. Reheat in the oven or microwave for leftovers.