Name: Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500g (1.1lb) Chicken Thighs, Cubed: for flavor and tenderness; 300g (10.5oz) Fresh Spinach, Chopped: provides vitamins and earthy flavor; 200g (7oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: creates a smooth, tangy sauce; 100g (3.5oz) Cheddar Cheese, Grated: adds savory depth; 150ml (2/3 cup) Whole Milk: liquid base for creamy texture; 100ml (1/2 cup) Heavy Cream: elevates sauce to ultimate indulgence; 1 Medium Onion (≈150g / 5.3oz), Diced: aromatic foundation; 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced: aromatic boost; 30g (2 tbsp) Butter: for sautéing and richness; 30g (2 tbsp) Flour: thickening agent; 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: smoky flavor; ½ tsp Cumin: earthy warmth; ¼ tsp Nutmeg: subtle warmth; ½ tsp Salt, to Taste: seasoning; ¼ tsp Black Pepper, Ground: spice and depth; 50g (1/3 cup) Panko Breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp Butter & Paprika: crispy topping; 30g (¼ cup) Pine Nuts, Toasted: nutty flavor and crunch; Zest of 1 Lemon: brightens flavors; Parsley, Chopped, for Garnish: fresh herbaceous flavor

Description

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish, elevated with a rich cream cheese sauce, smoky paprika, and a buttery panko topping. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

500g (1.1lb) Chicken Thighs, Cubed: for flavor and tenderness
300g (10.5oz) Fresh Spinach, Chopped: provides vitamins and earthy flavor
200g (7oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: creates a smooth, tangy sauce
100g (3.5oz) Cheddar Cheese, Grated: adds savory depth
150ml (2/3 cup) Whole Milk: liquid base for creamy texture
100ml (1/2 cup) Heavy Cream: elevates sauce to ultimate indulgence
1 Medium Onion (≈150g / 5.3oz), Diced: aromatic foundation
2 Garlic Cloves, Minced: aromatic boost
30g (2 tbsp) Butter: for sautéing and richness
30g (2 tbsp) Flour: thickening agent
1 tsp Smoked Paprika: smoky flavor
½ tsp Cumin: earthy warmth
¼ tsp Nutmeg: subtle warmth
½ tsp Salt, to Taste: seasoning
¼ tsp Black Pepper, Ground: spice and depth
50g (1/3 cup) Panko Breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp Butter & Paprika: crispy topping
30g (¼ cup) Pine Nuts, Toasted: nutty flavor and crunch
Zest of 1 Lemon: brightens flavors
Parsley, Chopped, for Garnish: fresh herbaceous flavor

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Instructions

Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and butter a 22x33cm casserole dish.
Sear Chicken: Sear 500g cubed chicken thighs with salt & pepper for 5-6 minutes.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté 1 diced onion for 3 minutes, then add 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds.
Create Roux: Stir in 2 tbsp flour for 1 minute.
Build Sauce: Gradually whisk in 150ml milk & 100ml cream, simmer until thickened.
Season & Enrich: Stir in spices, cream cheese, and cheddar until melted.
Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, spinach, and lemon zest to sauce.
Assemble & Top: Pour into dish, top with panko mixture.
Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
Rest & Garnish: Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with pine nuts & parsley.

Notes

Using chicken thighs ensures a moist and flavorful casserole. Ensure spinach is well-drained if using frozen.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg