Creamy High-Protein Spinach And Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe

My recent obsession with hearty weeknight spinach and artichoke chicken casserole has completely transformed my dinner routine.

Comfort meets nutrition in this delightful dish that packs serious flavor.

Weeknight cooking can feel exhausting, but this recipe changes everything.

Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, each bite delivers a satisfying culinary experience.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Simple techniques make this casserole approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.

Protein-Packed Casserole That’s Creamy, Cheesy, And Filling

• Speedy Meal Prep: Whip up this delicious casserole in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight and hunger is high.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with shredded chicken and cheese, this dish delivers a satisfying protein boost that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and hidden veggie nutrition that makes this casserole a crowd-pleasing winner.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs, this casserole can be modified with gluten-free options or alternative protein sources for maximum flexibility.

What You’ll Use in High-Protein Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein powerhouse that forms the main body of the casserole.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy protein booster with tangy flavor and healthy probiotics.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Protein-rich cheeses that add richness and depth.

• Spinach: Nutrient-dense green with earthy flavor and excellent wilting properties.
• Artichoke Hearts: Tender vegetable with mild, slightly nutty taste and smooth texture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish and subtle green accent.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat with heart-healthy properties.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dried seasonings for concentrated savory flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning for balanced taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binding ingredient for extra richness.

High-Protein Casserole with Spinach & Artichoke Steps

Step 1: Cook And Shred Chicken

Place chicken breasts in your preferred cooking method (grill, bake, or boil) until completely cooked through.

Using two forks, carefully pull the chicken apart to create shredded pieces.

Set the shredded chicken aside for later use.

Step 2: Wilt The Spinach

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Add chopped spinach and gently sauté for 3-4 minutes until the leaves become soft and reduce in volume.

Remove from heat and allow the spinach to cool slightly.

Step 3: Blend Casserole Ingredients

• Shredded chicken
• Sautéed spinach
• Chopped artichokes
• Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Thoroughly mix all components until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly across the dish, ensuring a consistent layer.

Step 5: Bake The Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and ensuring the casserole is heated completely through.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and flavor.

Serve the casserole hot and enjoy the rich, creamy texture packed with protein and nutrients.

Casserole Tips for High-Protein Spinach & Chicken

• Add extra protein by mixing in cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a more nutrient-dense meal.
• Swap mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese for lactose-intolerant diets or use low-fat cheese for lighter versions.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking, making weeknight dinners super convenient.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add more texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and seasonings to match your preferred heat level, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.

Store Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

• Store leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature to ensure thorough warming.

What Goes with Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc beautifully cuts through the creamy casserole's richness, delivering bright citrus notes that complement the dish's herbal spinach undertones.
• Craft Beer Companion: Hoppy IPA provides a bold, refreshing counterpoint to the casserole's creamy texture, with its bitter complexity enhancing the chicken and cheese flavors.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side: Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta creates a light, tangy accompaniment that balances the casserole's hearty protein-packed profile.
• Zesty Herb Drizzle: Fresh chimichurri sauce adds vibrant green herbaceousness, cutting through the dish's creaminess while introducing a bright, zesty dimension to each bite.

High-Protein Chicken Casserole Customizations

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, crumbled and seasoned with the same spices for a plant-based high-protein alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute Greek yogurt with full-fat cream cheese, use cauliflower instead of traditional artichokes, and add extra mozzarella for increased fat content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and swap mayonnaise for cashew cream to maintain creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Style: Incorporate zucchini noodles as a base, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and add kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure your individual ingredients like Greek yogurt and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the recipe. Squeeze out extra liquid using a clean kitchen towel.

• What type of chicken works best for this casserole?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded before mixing with other ingredients.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by incorporating cottage cheese, using Greek yogurt with higher protein content, or mixing in some cooked quinoa or additional shredded chicken to boost the protein profile.

High-Protein Spinach And Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful “High-Protein Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Casserole” brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with creamy, nutritious goodness. Packed with lean protein and rich vegetables, this comforting dish will satisfy you from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 3 cups fresh spinach (chopped)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauteing spinach)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully shred chicken breasts using two forks after thoroughly cooking through preferred method like grilling, baking, or boiling.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature and gently wilt chopped spinach for approximately 3-4 minutes, then allow to cool momentarily.
3. Integrate shredded chicken with wilted spinach, artichoke pieces, creamy Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning agents, and optional red pepper flakes in a generously sized mixing vessel.
4. Thoroughly blend ingredients until achieving uniform consistency and distribute mixture evenly across a lightly greased rectangular baking vessel.
5. Position casserole inside a preheated oven calibrated to 375°F, allowing golden caramelization and complete thermal penetration for roughly 20-25 minutes.
6. Extract casserole from oven, permitting brief resting period to stabilize internal temperature and enhance structural integrity.
7. Optional garnishing with freshly chopped parsley can elevate visual presentation before serving warm and inviting portions to eager diners.

Notes

• Optimize protein absorption by ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded finely for even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Drain excess liquid from spinach and artichokes to prevent a soggy texture and maintain the casserole’s ideal consistency.
• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets, maintaining creamy texture and protein content.
• Add extra crunch by topping with toasted almond slivers or crispy breadcrumbs before baking for a delightful textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg