Prepare to delight your taste buds with our luxurious Creamy Chicken Florentine Artichoke Casserole recipe! This comforting casserole combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and flavorful artichoke hearts, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce and topped with a golden cheese crust. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a cozy meal for a quiet night in, this indulgent casserole is sure to satisfy. Join us as we explore the art of creating this mouthwatering dish, complete with FAQs, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb options.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz baby spinach
- 10 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and roughly chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, warmed
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Artichokes: Add the baby spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and the artichokes are heated through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk until smooth and thickened.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in the Italian seasoning, grated Monterey Jack cheese, and grated parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet with the spinach and artichoke mixture. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the chicken Florentine artichoke mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and melted.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: While fresh spinach is preferred for its flavor and texture, frozen spinach can be used as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
- Artichoke Hearts: If you prefer, you can use canned artichoke hearts instead of frozen. Simply drain them well before chopping and adding to the skillet.
- Creamy Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the creamy sauce by adding more or less milk as needed. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Extra Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the casserole by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the spinach and artichoke mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Chicken Florentine Artichoke Casserole:
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly option.
- Use heavy cream or a combination of heavy cream and unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk to reduce the carb content.
- Omit the Italian seasoning if it contains added sugar or replace it with a keto-friendly seasoning blend.
Low-Carb Chicken Florentine Artichoke Casserole:
- Opt for a low-carb baking mix or flour alternative such as almond flour or coconut flour to replace the all-purpose flour.
- Choose a low-carb cheese option such as mozzarella or a combination of cheddar and parmesan for the casserole topping.
- Use unsweetened almond milk or a combination of heavy cream and water as a substitute for regular milk to reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?
A: Yes, fresh spinach can be used in place of baby spinach. Simply remove any tough stems and chop or tear the spinach leaves before adding them to the skillet.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for this recipe and adds delicious flavor to the casserole. Simply shred the chicken meat and discard the skin before adding it to the skillet.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: This creamy chicken Florentine artichoke casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Creamy Chicken Florentine Artichoke Casserole. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or planning a special occasion meal, this decadent casserole is guaranteed to impress with its creamy texture, flavorful ingredients, and cheesy topping. From the convenience of frozen artichokes to the freshness of baby spinach, every bite is a journey to culinary bliss.
So, fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the rich flavors of this luxurious casserole. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carb intake, or simply seeking comfort in a delicious meal, this recipe offers a satisfying option for every palate. From our kitchen to yours, may every bite of this creamy chicken Florentine artichoke casserole bring you warmth and joy.
With detailed instructions, cook notes, variations, and FAQs, this blog post provides all the information you need to create the perfect Creamy Chicken Florentine Artichoke Casserole. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, you’ll find everything you need to make this indulgent dish a success.
