Chicken Florentine Casserole: A Creamy, Cheesy Delight
Chicken Florentine Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It combines tender chicken, creamy spinach, and a rich cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is easy to adapt and customize to your liking, making it a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine Casserole
* **Comforting and Delicious:** This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with its creamy texture and savory flavors.
* **Easy to Make:** It requires minimal effort and can be assembled in advance.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** It tastes even better the next day!
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken:** 2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or grilled chicken.
* **Spinach:** 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry. Make sure to remove as much excess water as possible to prevent a watery casserole.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces cream cheese, softened. This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup sour cream. Adds tang and moisture.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup. This forms the base of the sauce.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup milk. Helps to thin out the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Adds a savory flavor.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup onion, chopped. Adds depth of flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Provides a melty, cheesy topping.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons butter. Used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional Toppings:** Bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions for added texture.
* **Cooked Pasta or Rice (Optional):** 2-3 cups cooked pasta (such as penne, rotini, or egg noodles) or rice can be added to make it a more complete meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the casserole.
* **Large Skillet:** For sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Cheese Grater:** For grating the cheeses.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Colander or Kitchen Towel:** For squeezing the excess water from the spinach.
Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Spinach:**
* Thaw the frozen spinach completely. Place it in a colander and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. You can also use a clean kitchen towel to press the spinach dry. This step is crucial to prevent a watery casserole.
**2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**
* In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**3. Make the Cream Sauce:**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and milk.
* Whisk until smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese.
* Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the cream sauce mixture.
* Stir in the squeezed-dry spinach and cooked chicken.
* Add the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
**4. Assemble the Casserole:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
* If using pasta or rice, spread the cooked pasta or rice evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
* Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the pasta or rice (if using).
* Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
**5. Bake the Casserole:**
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
* Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through and lightly golden brown on top.
**6. Let it Rest:**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the Chicken Florentine Casserole hot. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or cheddar. A blend of cheeses can add complexity to the flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Fresh Spinach:** If you prefer, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Sauté the fresh spinach until wilted before adding it to the casserole.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** Top the casserole with bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions for added texture. Mix the topping with melted butter for extra flavor and browning.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** Save time by using rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and seasoned, making it a convenient option.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the casserole. Sprinkle it over the top before baking.
* **Make Individual Casseroles:** Divide the mixture into individual oven-safe dishes for portion control and easy serving.
* **Use Different Proteins:** Try using cooked turkey, ham, or shrimp instead of chicken for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
* **Side Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots are healthy and flavorful sides.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf adds a different texture and flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Chicken Florentine Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.
* **Freeze:** Freeze leftover casserole in individual portions for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Chicken Florentine Casserole Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup onion, chopped
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Cooked pasta or rice (2-3 cups), bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Thaw spinach and squeeze dry.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
5. Add sautéed onion and garlic, spinach, chicken, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If using, spread cooked pasta or rice in the bottom.
7. Pour chicken mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Florentine Casserole!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Florentine Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!