Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort Magic

Comfort meets nutrition in this delightful chicken and spinach casserole that promises to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.

Layers of tender chicken blend seamlessly with vibrant green spinach and a luxurious cream sauce.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this effortless or delicious.

Home cooks will appreciate the simple ingredients and straightforward preparation method.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish delivers a balanced meal in one easy pan.

Melted cheese creates a golden, crispy top that adds irresistible texture and flavor.

You won’t be able to resist serving seconds of this crowd-pleasing casserole.

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole That Wows

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: This casserole rescues busy families with its simple ingredients and minimal prep, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy textures and cheesy goodness, this dish satisfies picky eaters and brings everyone together around the table.
• Nutrition in Every Bite: Lean chicken and fresh spinach provide a protein-packed meal that sneaks healthy greens into a crowd-pleasing recipe, perfect for parents wanting to boost family nutrition.
• Quick Clean-Up Champion: Using just one mixing bowl and a baking dish means less kitchen mess and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides the primary protein source for this creamy casserole.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a rich and smooth base that adds incredible depth and creaminess to the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses provide a golden, bubbly topping with a delicious melted texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These seasonings add savory depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: These basic seasonings help balance and elevate the taste of the casserole.
• Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds a nutritious green element and brings a mild, earthy flavor to the creamy mixture.

Step-By-Step Preparation For Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting ready for a delicious meal that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 2: Whip Up The Creamy Base

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together until smooth and well-mixed.

Step 3: Fold In The Protein And Greens

Gently stir in your shredded chicken and fresh spinach, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor and nutrition.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Dish

Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent any sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 5: Transfer And Top

Pour the creamy chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn bubbly and develop a beautiful golden color.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your creamy, comforting meal!

Tips To Get Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Just Right

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole.
• Use fresh spinach for a vibrant green color and more nutrients, but frozen spinach works in a pinch when drained well.
• Swap full-fat cream cheese with low-fat or Greek yogurt for a lighter version that's still creamy and delicious.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick if you enjoy some heat in your dishes.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving to boost the presentation and add a fresh herb flavor.

Flavorful Changes To Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole

• Low-Carb Zucchini Base: Replace chicken with ground turkey and use spiralized zucchini instead of traditional casserole base for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap spinach for chopped kale, add crumbled feta cheese, and include sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of dairy products, substitute chicken with tofu, and sprinkle nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chilies, replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, and add cumin and chili powder for a zesty southwestern kick.

Serving Ideas For Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole

Family Movie Night Delight: Serve this casserole with crispy garlic bread and a light green salad for a comforting dinner that pleases everyone around the table.

Keto-Friendly Plate: Swap traditional bread sides for roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles to keep the meal low-carb and satisfying for health-conscious eaters.

Potluck Party Showstopper: Pack this casserole in a portable dish for gatherings, as it travels well and can be reheated without losing its creamy, cheesy goodness – perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Leftover Lunch Transformation: Scoop the casserole into a tortilla wrap the next day for a quick, delicious lunch that reinvents the original meal with minimal effort.

Storage Tips For Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Seal the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to keep moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain creamy texture.
• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent cheese from burning and keep the casserole moist.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply assemble the dish, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the frozen spinach to remove excess moisture. Squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken are perfect for this casserole. You can also use shredded chicken breast or thigh meat that has been cooked and seasoned.

Cheesy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent chicken and spinach casserole embodies comfort food perfection from Southern kitchens. Cheesy layers blend hearty ingredients with rich flavors that comfort hungry families.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups shredded chicken

Vegetables:

• 3 cups fresh spinach

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (0.5 cup) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (0.5 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (0.25 cup) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for melding flavors.
2. Whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of aromatic seasonings until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Gently fold shredded chicken and vibrant spinach into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Carefully transfer the luxurious mixture into a prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform base.
5. Lavishly crown the casserole with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a golden, tempting topping.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the casserole to bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
7. Remove from the oven and permit the casserole to rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and making it easier to serve.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Boost protein content by adding quinoa or white beans to the chicken mixture, creating a more nutritionally balanced meal.
• Cut down on prep time by using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips, making this a quick weeknight dinner option.
• Enhance flavor complexity by roasting garlic instead of using powder, which adds a deeper, more caramelized taste to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg