Description
This Chicken and Spinach Strata is a comforting baked bread casserole layered with tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or light dinner, this strata is easy to prepare ahead, freezer-friendly, and packed with savory flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Strata Base
- 7 cups French bread, cut into 2 cm (1 inch) cubes
- 1 cup grated cheese (any melting cheese like tasty, cheddar, or mozzarella)
- 250 g (8 oz) frozen spinach (2 packets, chopped)
- 1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken (or any cooked protein, ham, or bacon)
- Parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Egg Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Defrost Spinach: Defrost the frozen spinach in the microwave on high for 4 minutes. Once thawed, squeeze out any excess water to prevent sogginess in the strata.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will soak through the bread for a custardy texture.
- Layer Bread: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly into the bottom of a 25cm x 25cm (10″ x 10″) baking dish to form the base layer.
- Add Fillings: Layer the squeezed spinach evenly over the bread, followed by the shredded chicken, and then sprinkle half of the grated cheese on top.
- Top with Bread: Add the remaining bread cubes over the layered fillings. Press down or squish the bread lightly to compact it, helping the egg mixture absorb evenly throughout.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the entire strata, ensuring all bread pieces are covered and soaked.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese evenly over the top and press down lightly again to help the bread soak up the custard.
- Rest: Let the strata sit for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30 minutes, to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture for optimal texture.
- Freeze Option: If freezing, cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze. Defrost completely before baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in preparation for baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This prevents the top from browning too quickly while cooking through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the strata is golden brown on top.
- Serve: Serve the strata immediately, garnished with finely chopped parsley if desired for a fresh flavor and color contrast.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old French bread to help absorb the egg mixture better.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with ham, bacon, or other cooked proteins.
- You can prepare the strata the night before and refrigerate overnight to save time in the morning.
- Ensure you squeeze out excess water from the spinach to avoid a soggy bake.
- This strata freezes well; just thaw completely before baking.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
