Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cheesy sauce, it’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2-3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 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)
• Sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or cooked pasta (optional add-ins)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Cook and shred your chicken if it’s not already cooked. If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly until wilted. For frozen spinach, thaw and drain it well.
2. Step 2: Make the sauce by combining the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish and layer the shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and creamy sauce inside. Mix gently to combine everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts into the casserole before baking.
• Mix in cooked pasta to make a creamy chicken and spinach pasta bake.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Adjust seasonings to taste, adding herbs like thyme or basil for a fresh twist.

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 for 1-2 minutes. This casserole does not freeze well due to the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding to the casserole to avoid sogginess.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

You can substitute cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives, but the texture and flavor may vary. Look for plant-based cream cheese and shredded cheese options.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 76 reviews

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting, savory dish perfect for an easy yet flavorful family meal. It combines tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cream cheese-based sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection. This casserole is a delicious way to enjoy a hearty, cheesy dinner that pairs well with salad, bread, or rice.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 2–3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (breasts or thighs work great)
• 4 cups fresh spinach or 1 package frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• Optional: sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or cooked pasta

Cheese and Dairy

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

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 nutmeg if using. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish lightly. In the dish, layer the shredded chicken and sautéed spinach, then pour and gently mix in the creamy sauce to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice to complete your meal.

Notes

• You can customize this casserole by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or cooked pasta for extra texture and flavor.
• Make sure to drain frozen spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
• If you prefer a lower-fat version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a nuttier flavor, toast the Parmesan cheese slightly before adding on top.

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken spinach, baked chicken dish, comfort food, casserole recipe