Name: Quick-Baked Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491518H18M43S
Total time: PT-491518H18M43S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless and skinless); 4 oz cream cheese (slightly warmed up so it’s softened); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese; 8 oz marinated artichokes (drained); 3 cups fresh spinach (or 4 oz fresh spinach)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving something that feels indulgent yet comes together in a snap, this Quick-Baked Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to comfort meal. Imagine tender chicken breasts baked under a luscious, cheesy spinach and artichoke topping that’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with fresh flavor. This dish brings together classic creamy spinach artichoke dip vibes with hearty chicken, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white bowl, there is a creamy mix with three main layers: fresh green spinach leaves, light yellow artichoke pieces, and a thick white sauce that coats all ingredients evenly. The spinach leaves are whole and glossy, showing dark green color with some veins visible. The artichoke pieces are scattered throughout and have a soft, pale yellow texture. The white sauce is smooth and slightly thick, with small specks of black pepper. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, resting on the side with some sauce on it. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the fresh and clean look of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this casserole plays a vital role in crafting layers of flavor, texture, and color. These simple staples come together to create a vibrant dish that’s both creamy and cheesy with a fresh vegetable punch.

2 lbs chicken breast: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and shredding of protein.
4 oz cream cheese: Softened to add rich creaminess and bind the casserole filling.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides moisture and keeps the casserole delightfully smooth.
1 tbsp dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to balance the richness.
2 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a punch of aromatic flavor that wakes up the dish.
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings a salty sharpness that complements the creamy layers.
2/3 cup mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness on top.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Offers just the right hint of warmth and spice.
8 oz marinated artichokes: Drained, they add a tender texture and subtle briny brightness.
3 cups fresh spinach: Or about 4 oz fresh spinach, for vibrant color and nutritious greens.

How to Make Quick-Baked Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly across the bottom. This simple setup forms the base of your casserole and allows the chicken to soak up the rich flavors that will be layered on top.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use an electric beater for a few minutes until the blend is smooth and fluffy. Next, stir in most of the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, saving a small portion to sprinkle over the casserole before baking. This mixture brings that signature creamy, cheesy richness to our Quick-Baked Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe.

Step 3: Fold in Vegetables

Gently fold in the drained marinated artichokes and fresh spinach, mixing just until everything is evenly coated. The artichokes contribute a lovely tender bite with a subtle tang while the spinach wilts down during baking, adding freshness and a pop of color.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the creamy vegetable mixture evenly over the chicken in your casserole dish. Sprinkle the reserved parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top for a golden, bubbly crust. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese topping is beautifully browned. For a perfectly golden finish, crank the oven up to 425 degrees during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.

Step 5: Ready to Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like rice, cauliflower rice, or pasta to soak up all the creamy goodness.

How to Serve Quick-Baked Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white plate with two main parts: on the left is a creamy baked dish with layers of white and light green, topped with melted cheese and garnished with small green parsley leaves, showing a soft and slightly browned texture; on the right side is a serving of white cauliflower rice with small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top, and a metal fork placed inside it. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a glass of water and a striped blue and white cloth napkin at the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of green that brightens the cheesy top and adds a subtle herbal note. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick that wakes up your palate.

Side Dishes

The casserole is rich and filling, so light, fresh sides work best. Think steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted baby potatoes. If you prefer low-carb, cauliflower rice is a fantastic choice that keeps the meal balanced and nourishing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish in shallow ramekins for individual portions that look restaurant-worthy. Or layer the casserole over cooked quinoa or polenta for a hearty, textured base. No matter how you plate it, this casserole is a beautiful centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Quick-Baked Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe, let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for convenient next-day meals that reheat beautifully.

Freezing

This casserole also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole (or portion) with foil and warm it in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This prevents the cheese from drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power, stirring halfway for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen. Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain any excess water before folding it into the creamy mixture to avoid a watery casserole.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any processed items like marinated artichokes for added gluten if you have sensitivity concerns.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While the main recipe centers on chicken, you could swap the chicken breasts with hearty vegetables like large portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian spin, keeping the rest of the creamy topping the same.

What type of mustard works best?

Dijon mustard provides a smooth, slightly spicy tang that complements the creamy cheeses perfectly. If you prefer a milder taste, you can adjust the quantity or use a yellow mustard, but Dijon really elevates the flavor profile here.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the entire casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it great for busy weeknights or entertaining with minimal last-minute effort.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Quick-Baked Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed goodness wrapped around juicy chicken, and the ease of making it means delicious dinners can happen anytime. So grab those ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to share a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate!