Introduction

Chicken and Spinach Strata is a comforting bread bake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner. It’s packed with protein, greens, and melty cheese, making it both hearty and flavorful. This recipe is easy to prepare ahead and can be baked fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Chicken and Spinach Bread Bake (Strata) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

7 cups French bread, cut into 2 cm (1 inch) cubes
1 cup grated cheese (any melting cheese such as tasty, cheddar, or mozzarella)
250 g (8 oz) frozen spinach, chopped (about 2 packets)
1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken (or any other cooked protein, ham, or bacon)
Parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
6 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 tsp salt
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Defrost the frozen spinach in the microwave for 4 minutes on high, then squeeze out any excess water.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, grated parmesan, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Step 3: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the base of a 25cm x 25cm (10″ x 10″) baking dish.
Step 4: Layer the defrosted spinach over the bread, then add the cooked chicken, followed by half of the grated cheese.
Step 5: Add the remaining bread cubes on top and press down gently to compress the bread. This helps the egg mixture soak in evenly.
Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, making sure to cover all pieces thoroughly.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, then press down gently again to help the bread absorb the egg mixture fully.
Step 8: Let the strata sit for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30 minutes, to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
Step 9: (Optional) To freeze, cover the prepared dish tightly and place in the freezer. Defrost completely before baking.
Step 10: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 11: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Step 12: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use stale or day-old bread for better absorption and texture.
Substitute spinach with kale or swiss chard if preferred.
Try swapping chicken for cooked sausage, ham, or crispy bacon for a different flavor.
Allowing the strata to soak longer improves the custard consistency and overall taste.
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture enhances the flavor subtly.

Storage

Store leftover strata covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through to keep the texture crisp and delicious. This dish can also be prepared ahead and frozen before baking; just thaw completely before cooking as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach can be used. Sauté it briefly until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture before layering to prevent sogginess.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a flavorful vegetarian version.

Chicken and Spinach Bread Bake (Strata) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

This Chicken and Spinach Strata is a hearty and comforting bread bake perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Layers of crusty French bread, creamy spinach, juicy chicken, and a rich cheese and egg custard bake to golden perfection, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and deliciously versatile.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 20 minutes (including soaking time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Bread Bake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Cheese

7 cups French bread, cut into 2 cm (1 inch) cubes
1 cup grated cheese (any melting cheese like tasty, cheddar, or mozzarella)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Protein

250 g (8 oz) frozen spinach (2 packets, chopped)
1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken (or any other cooked protein like ham or bacon)

Egg Mixture

6 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1 tsp salt
Black pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Defrost Spinach: Defrost the frozen spinach in the microwave on high for 4 minutes, then squeeze out any excess water to prevent sogginess.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan until well combined to form a custard base.
Layer Bread: Spread half of the cubed French bread evenly into the base of a 25 cm x 25 cm (10″ x 10″) baking dish.
Add Fillings: Layer the spinach over the bread, followed by the shredded chicken, then sprinkle half of the grated melting cheese on top.
Add Remaining Bread: Cover with the remaining bread cubes and gently press down to compress the layers, which helps the egg mixture soak evenly.
Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers, ensuring all pieces are covered.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and press down lightly once more to help the bread absorb the egg custard.
Rest: Let the strata sit for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30 minutes, to allow the egg mixture to soak fully.
Freeze Option: If freezing, cover the baking dish tightly and freeze. Thaw completely before cooking.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to cook through without drying out.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

Use crusty French bread to ensure the strata holds together well and soaks up the egg custard.
Any cooked protein such as ham or bacon can substitute chicken to vary the flavor.
Defrosting and draining the spinach prevents the strata from becoming watery.
Letting the strata soak before baking improves texture and flavor absorption.
Freezing option allows you to prepare ahead — thaw completely before baking to ensure even cooking.
Use a baking dish around 25 cm x 25 cm (10″ x 10″) for the best layering and cooking results.

Keywords: chicken strata, spinach bread bake, savory breakfast casserole, egg custard bake, brunch recipe