Comforting and Nourishing: Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
Are you craving a hearty, wholesome meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious? Look no further than this Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole! Packed with protein, veggies, and a creamy, cheesy base, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cooked skinless chicken breasts, shredded or cubed
2 tablespoons avocado oil or melted grass-fed butter or ghee
½ cup Nancy's Organic Whole Milk Cottage Cheese
¾ cup Nancy's Organic Cultured Sour Cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon mineral-rich salt
1 ½ teaspoons garlic granules or garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Juice and zest of ½ lemon
2 cups fresh organic spinach
18 oz drained artichoke hearts, halved (discard liquid)
Preparation Steps:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 1 ½ qt. casserole dish with your choice of healthy fat and set it aside.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, healthy fat of choice, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Stir to combine. Add 1 ½ cups shredded cheese, parsley, salt, garlic, thyme, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until fully combined and evenly distributed.
Add Vegetables: Gently fold in the spinach and artichoke hearts until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese over the top. Bake at 375 degrees F for 40-50 minutes, or until the cheesy top is lightly golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Then, dish it out and savor every delicious bite!
Why You'll Love This Casserole:
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the chicken and dairy, as well as vitamins and minerals from the spinach and artichoke hearts, this casserole offers a well-rounded meal that nourishes your body from the inside out.
Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cottage cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella creates a rich, creamy texture that’s complemented perfectly by the savory flavors of garlic, thyme, and lemon.
Versatile: Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, swap out the herbs for your favorites, or even incorporate different types of cheese for a unique twist.
Family-Friendly: Whether you’re serving picky eaters or health-conscious adults, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a healthy twist that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Plus, it yields plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day!
In conclusion, this Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole ticks all the boxes for a wholesome, delicious meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and see for yourself just how satisfying healthy eating can be!
