Description
Comfort meets nutrition in this high-protein spinach and artichoke chicken casserole, blending creamy textures with wholesome ingredients. Hearty layers of tender chicken, leafy spinach, and tangy artichokes promise a satisfying meal that nourishes and delights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (720 ml) shredded chicken, cooked (rotisserie works great!)
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 (14 oz/400 g) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 3 cups (720 ml) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 tbsps almond flour or crushed pork rinds (for a crunchy topping)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Creamy Fusion: Whisk together Greek yogurt, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes uniformly smooth and well-integrated.
- Protein and Vegetable Incorporation: Gently fold shredded chicken, finely chopped spinach, and diced artichokes into the creamy blend, ensuring every ingredient is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly.
- Baking and Topping: Transfer the mixed contents to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into a uniform layer. Generously sprinkle additional mozzarella, Parmesan, almond flour, and crushed pork rinds across the surface to create a crisp, golden topping.
- Culinary Transformation: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and beautifully bronzed top that signals perfect doneness.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps set the creamy consistency, then serve warm for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled chicken breast for maximum flavor and protein content, ensuring consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Drain spinach and artichokes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid, which could make the casserole watery and compromise the creamy consistency.
- Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for lactose-intolerant individuals, maintaining the recipe’s creamy texture and nutritional profile.
- Toast almond flour or crushed pork rinds before sprinkling to intensify the crunch and develop a deeper, nuttier flavor profile for the casserole’s top layer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg