Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Combining tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2–3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Optional additions: sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or cooked pasta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chicken by cooking and shredding it if not pre-cooked. For the spinach, sauté fresh spinach lightly until wilted or thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: In the prepared casserole dish, layer the shredded chicken and sautéed spinach. Pour the creamy sauce over and gently mix to evenly combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or chopped artichoke hearts before baking.
• Mix cooked pasta into the casserole for a hearty twist.
• Use fresh spinach when possible for best texture, but frozen spinach works well when properly drained.
• To make it lighter, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat before assembling the casserole.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. With cream cheese and sour cream lending a silky texture and mozzarella and Parmesan topping the dish with gooey, savory goodness, this casserole is an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Optional ingredients like mushrooms or artichoke hearts add extra flavor and heartiness, making it versatile and satisfying.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2–3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Optional Additions

• Sliced mushrooms
• Artichoke hearts
• Cooked pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and shred your chicken if it’s not pre-cooked. If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly until wilted. For frozen spinach, thaw and drain well to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir until smooth and well-blended to create a creamy sauce base.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased casserole dish, layer the shredded chicken and sautéed spinach, then pour the creamy sauce over them. Gently mix everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
4. Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly indicating it’s thoroughly heated and melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice to complete the meal.

Notes

• Using fresh spinach adds a brighter flavor, but frozen spinach is a convenient alternative; just ensure it is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
• You can add sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts to the casserole mixture for variation and added depth.
• For a heartier meal, stir cooked pasta into the mixture before baking.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother sauce.
• Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.

Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach casserole, creamy chicken bake, baked chicken and spinach, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, cheesy casserole