This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is easy to prep on a busy weeknight with shredded chicken, spinach, rice, and cheese for a comforting meal.
Preparation Time
10 mins
Cooking Time
35 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Calories
482 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Gather all ingredients.
Step 2
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and arrange rack in the upper third position. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 3
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ¾ teaspoon of salt; cook, stirring often, until onions are softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
Step 4
Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Step 5
Add cream cheese, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly, until fully combined. Remove from heat and stir in shredded chicken, cooked rice, spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil until cheese is browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
cooking spray
4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
1 ¾ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
2 1/2 cups whole milk
4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry