If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is just what you need. This casserole combines tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream cheese base with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan, all baked to perfection. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve guests. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe hits all the right notes of creamy, cheesy, and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together in this recipe to create a casserole that’s full of flavor and texture. Each element plays an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, savoriness, and a touch of freshness.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups shredded): Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, chopped): Adds a vibrant color and healthy greens to the dish.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy base that delivers rich texture and tanginess.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Enhances the smoothness and adds a subtle tang.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully to offer gooey, stretchy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the creaminess.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic flavor and warmth to the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the onion and garlic gently.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Enhances the savory profile with a subtle punch.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Boosts garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild heat and balances flavors.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and gorgeous green specks.
- Cooked rice (1 cup, optional): Incorporates a lovely texture and extra heartiness.
- Melted butter (1 tbsp): Perfect for greasing the casserole dish to prevent sticking.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, generously grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with melted butter to ensure your creamy masterpiece won’t stick and will brown beautifully on the edges.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat to gently cook the finely chopped onion. Stir and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This process brings out the natural sweetness and fragrance that forms the flavor foundation of the casserole.
Step 3: Cook the Spinach
Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set aside, allowing the spinach to infuse its fresh, slightly earthy flavor into the base.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy, creating that luscious texture you love in this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
To the creamy mixture, add the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and if you’re using it, the cooked rice. Stir together until all components are evenly incorporated, making sure every scoop promises a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Transfer this beautiful mix into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. This baking step marries all the flavors while giving the casserole an irresistible crust on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, take your dish out of the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets slightly, giving you perfectly portioned, creamy bites that melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise, but a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or thinly sliced green onions can also add a lovely final touch. Don’t underestimate how a little garnish can make your casserole look as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a crusty baguette to mop up any creamy sauce left on the plate. Light side dishes help balance the richness and add texture variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the casserole straight from the dish with individual plates. For a special occasion, scoop portions into mini ramekins for charming individual servings. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or nuts on top before baking for an unexpected crunch that contrasts the creamy center perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes for a quick and satisfying next-day lunch or dinner that’s just as good when gently reheated.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, making it an excellent meal prep candidate. Freeze it in a suitable airtight container before baking, or freeze cooked leftovers after they have cooled. Label and date the container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover with foil initially to prevent excessive browning, then uncover for the last 5 minutes if you want to refresh the crispy top texture. Stovetop reheating in a covered skillet works too, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before cooking to avoid a watery casserole. This helps maintain the creamy texture you want.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you don’t add rice or use gluten-free rice. Double-check that your cheeses and seasonings are labeled gluten-free to be safe.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini would complement the flavors nicely. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic for the best results.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you want a lighter version, you can try using Neufchâtel cheese, which has a lower fat content but similar tang and texture. Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of flour can also work but may alter the creamy consistency slightly.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when it is bubbling around the edges and the top turns a light golden brown. Inserting a knife or fork in the center should come out hot, indicating it’s thoroughly heated.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want comfort food that feels special but isn’t complicated. Its creamy, cheesy layers combined with fresh spinach and tender chicken provide a perfect harmony of flavors that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you might just find your next favorite weeknight dinner or crowd-pleaser for gatherings!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection with a golden crust on top. It’s easy to prepare and can optionally include cooked rice for added texture, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for added texture)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish evenly with the melted butter to prevent sticking and to add a subtle buttery flavor to the crust.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once wilted, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Mix Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and the optional cooked rice (if using) to the creamy cheese mixture. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly combined and coated with the creamy sauce.
- Bake Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns a light golden brown.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time, but you can use any cooked chicken you prefer.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all cheese and sour cream are certified gluten-free.
- Adding cooked rice is optional but adds pleasant texture and bulk to the casserole.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
