Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

Heavenly Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

Whipping up a delectable chicken and spinach casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken meld perfectly with fresh green spinach in this hearty dish.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this creamy, cheesy creation.

Rich ingredients combine to create a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Families will adore the blend of protein and vegetables nestled in a velvety sauce.

Minimal prep work means you can have this crowd-pleaser ready in no time.

Invite everyone to the table and watch their faces light up with the first delicious bite.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole to Love

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add your favorite veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for using up leftover chicken or adapting to what's in your fridge.
  • Quick and Comforting Meal: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients mean you can have a delicious, hearty dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Nutritious and Delectable: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from spinach, this casserole delivers a balanced meal that tastes amazing while keeping health in mind.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that provides the primary substance of the casserole.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that add rich flavor and texture to the dish.
Creamy Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth ingredient that creates a thick and luxurious base.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy dairy product that enhances the overall creaminess.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Fresh and minced to provide a sharp, aromatic flavor.
  • Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste profile.
  • Spinach: Fresh and chopped green vegetable that adds nutrition and color.
Optional Topping:
  • Breadcrumbs, Butter: Creates a crispy golden layer when sprinkled on top of the casserole.

How to Bake Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

How to Bake Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Whip Together Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Minced garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir until everything looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Fold In Protein And Greens

Gently mix in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Chopped spinach
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Combine ingredients until they’re evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture inside, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping

Optional crispy layer: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle across the casserole’s surface.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals it’s ready.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve piping hot for maximum deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture in the casserole.
  • Remove excess moisture from spinach to prevent a watery casserole and maintain a creamy consistency.
  • Add fresh chopped herbs like thyme or basil for an extra layer of depth and aroma.
  • Replace chicken with cooked turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken alternatives for variety.
  • Prepare the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.

Variations of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use cauliflower instead of chicken for a vegetarian alternative. Swap regular cream cheese for full-fat cream cheese and eliminate onion powder.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut milk instead of sour cream, and replace mozzarella with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Use plant-based mayonnaise.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Add sun-dried tomatoes, swap spinach for kale, incorporate feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and sprinkle oregano and basil for extra Mediterranean flair. Use Greek yogurt as a cream base.

Serving Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

  • Perfect Party Platter: Arrange the casserole on a large wooden board with fresh herb sprigs, creating an elegant buffet-style presentation that invites guests to scoop and share.
  • Cozy Comfort Combo: Serve alongside a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread to balance the rich, creamy texture of the chicken casserole and add extra nutritional value.
  • Healthy Side Swap: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini to introduce additional nutrients and provide a lighter counterpoint to the hearty main dish.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the creamy casserole with a chilled glass of unoaked Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the meal's overall flavor profile and dining experience.

Storing Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

  • Transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freeze in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach completely, squeezing out excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make it gluten-free.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

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Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken and spinach casserole promises comfort in every savory bite, blending rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that will delight you at the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

Dairy:

  • 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Topping:

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blend cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients form a smooth, uniform consistency.
  2. Fold shredded chicken, finely chopped spinach, mozzarella, and parmesan into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and carefully transfer the mixed filling, spreading it uniformly across the surface.
  4. For added crunch, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and generously sprinkle the golden topping over the casserole.
  5. Position the dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns golden and the edges become deliciously bubbly.
  6. Once cooked, extract the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes, enabling the creamy texture to settle and flavors to intensify.
  7. Serve piping hot, presenting a luxurious, comforting meal that blends tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and rich, melted cheeses.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature beforehand for smoother, lump-free mixing.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and extra flavor depth.
  • Consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories and add protein.
  • Customize breadcrumb topping with gluten-free options or crushed nuts for low-carb alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 322 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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