Healthy Postpartum Meal Prep: Chicken, Spinach, and Rice Casserole
This high protein chicken, spinach, and rice casserole is creamy, freezer-friendly, and made with cottage cheese for extra protein. An easy family dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights or postpartum meal prep.
Chicken, Spinach and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 3/4 cups for rice and 1/4 cup to blend with cottage cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add 1 cup uncooked rice to 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil, set heat to low and cover, cook for 15 minutes (follow instructions on whatever bag of rice you are using).
- Brown chicken thighs and onion until mostly cooked in greased cast iron skillet.
- Add garlic and dry seasonings to pan, saute for an additional minute. Remove from pan and pour into greased 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Add spinach to cast iron pan and cook on medium until wilted.
- Add tomatoes and saute for an additional two minutes. Remove from pan and pour into baking dish.
- Add rice to baking dish.
- Blend cottage cheese with 2 tbsp chicken broth until smooth then pour over mixture in baking dish.
- Mix everything together thoroughly and smooth top. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake 350 for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and browning.
- Allow 15 minutes to cool.
- Enjoy!
Freezer Meal Prep Option
Allow finished casserole to cool completely. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Label with date and reheat instructions. It should keep in the freezer for at least 3 months.
Freezer Reheat Instructions
Take out of freezer and defrost in refrigerator overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Check temperature before serving.
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Tools I Used
The few things that made this recipe easier — and healthier.
Cast Iron Pan
Naturally nonstick and nontoxic, adds a little iron to your food, and lasts forever.
Wooden Cutting Board
Reduces microplastic exposure, easier on your knives, naturally antimicrobial, and beautiful on the counter.
Garlic Mincer
Used every single night — saves time and gives perfectly minced garlic every time.