Chicken, Spinach & Rice Casserole with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

3.0
(3)
3 Reviews

Cheesy, filling and utterly delicious, this weeknight-friendly casserole uses precooked chicken and brown rice to save time without sacrificing flavor. Be sure to squeeze as much water from the frozen spinach as you can so your casserole doesn't get watery.

By
Carolyn Casner
Carolyn Casner

Carolyn Casner is a longtime recipe tester and contributor for EatingWell. Over the years, she has tested and developed hundreds of recipes for the magazine and website.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 19, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
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Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Chicken, Spinach & Rice Casserole with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce**
Photo: Jason Donnelly
Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6
Nutrition Profile:
Nut-Free Healthy Pregnancy Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • ½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, plus 3 tablespoons oil from the jar

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

  • 3 large cloves garlic, grated

  • 2 8.8-ounce packages cooked brown rice (4 cups)

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 3 ounces softened cream cheese, cut into pieces

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken

  • 1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Add spinach and garlic; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add rice, stirring to coat and break up clumps.

  3. Whisk broth, cream cheese, sour cream, cornstarch, mustard, salt and pepper in a measuring cup until smooth. Pour into the skillet and cook, stirring, until bubbling and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and 1/2 cup cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the top. Bake until the casserole is hot and the cheese has melted, 15 to 20 minutes.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, November 2021

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

454 Calories
25g Fat
34g Carbs
26g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 454
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 26g 52%
Total Fat 25g 32%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 77mg 26%
Vitamin A 6097IU 122%
Sodium 486mg 21%
Potassium 553mg 12%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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