High-Protein Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Casserole
High-Protein Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dinner packed with tender shredded chicken, spinach, artichoke hearts, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt and plenty of melted mozzarella. It comes together quickly and bakes into a bubbling, golden casserole that’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Chicken Casserole
This casserole takes the familiar flavours of spinach and artichoke dip and turns them into a hearty chicken dinner. The creamy cheese mixture keeps the chicken moist, while spinach and artichokes add flavour and texture.
- High in protein: Each serving provides approximately 38g of protein.
- Easy to prepare: The ingredients are simply mixed together before baking.
- Creamy and cheesy: Cottage cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt and mozzarella create a rich texture.
- Family-friendly: Mild seasoning makes this an easy dinner option.
- Great for meal prep: The casserole can be portioned for convenient meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
How to Make High-Protein Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Casserole
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish and set it aside.
2. Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper and salt.
Stir until the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Chicken and Vegetables
Fold the shredded chicken, chopped spinach and drained artichoke hearts into the creamy mixture.
Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Add the Cheese
Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
5. Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly over the casserole.
If using Parmesan, scatter it over the top as well.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese has melted and become golden.
7. Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Casserole
- Drain the artichokes well: Excess liquid can make the casserole watery.
- Use softened cream cheese: It blends more easily into the creamy mixture.
- Don’t overbake: Bake just until hot, bubbling and golden on top.
- Let it rest: A short resting period allows the creamy mixture to settle slightly before serving.
- Use cooked chicken: Shredded cooked chicken makes this recipe especially quick to assemble.
What to Serve with Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Casserole
This creamy casserole can be served on its own or paired with simple sides. A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables or steamed vegetables would all complement the rich, cheesy chicken nicely.
For a heartier meal, serve it alongside your favourite grain or roasted potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes. This recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken, making it a convenient way to use leftover cooked chicken.
Can I use frozen spinach?
The recipe specifies fresh spinach. If substituting frozen spinach, it should be thoroughly thawed and drained before adding it to the casserole.
Can I leave out the Parmesan?
Yes. Parmesan is optional in this recipe. The mozzarella still provides a melted, cheesy topping.
How do I know when the casserole is ready?
The casserole should be hot and bubbling, with the mozzarella melted and golden on top.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the mixture in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it. Allow for additional baking time if the casserole is thoroughly chilled.
Nutrition & Timing
| Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories | Approx. 385 per serving |
| Protein | 38g per serving |
Final Thoughts
High-Protein Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a simple way to turn everyday ingredients into a creamy and satisfying meal. Tender chicken is combined with spinach, artichokes and a rich mixture of cottage cheese, cream cheese and Greek yogurt, then finished with bubbling mozzarella and optional Parmesan.
With just 10 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes in the oven, it’s an easy dinner to keep in your regular rotation whenever you’re craving something warm, cheesy and filling.
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High-Protein Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
High-Protein Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dinner packed with tender shredded chicken, spinach, artichoke hearts, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt and plenty of melted mozzarella. It comes together quickly and bakes into a bubbling, golden casserole that’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup cottage cheese
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 cup chopped artichoke hearts, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Stir until the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
3. Fold the shredded chicken, chopped spinach and drained artichoke hearts into the creamy mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly over the casserole. If using Parmesan, scatter it over the top as well.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese has melted and become golden.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
Drain the artichokes well because excess liquid can make the casserole watery.
Use softened cream cheese so it blends more easily into the creamy mixture.
Do not overbake. Bake just until the casserole is hot, bubbling and golden on top.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the creamy mixture can settle slightly.
Use cooked shredded chicken to keep the recipe quick and easy to assemble.
If using frozen spinach instead of fresh, thaw it thoroughly and drain it before adding it to the casserole.
Parmesan is optional and can be omitted.
Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables, your favourite grain or roasted potatoes.
The casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Allow additional baking time if thoroughly chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
