Cozy Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe for Tonight

Whipping up a delightful chicken and spinach casserole brings comfort directly to your dinner table.

Layers of tender meat blend perfectly with vibrant green leaves and rich, velvety sauce.

Cheese melts into every delectable corner, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish for its balanced flavors and minimal preparation time.

Nutritious ingredients combine effortlessly, promising a wholesome dinner solution that satisfies hungry appetites.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone will request again and again.

Jump in and make this casserole – your taste buds will thank you.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding to the recipe to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not automatically gluten-free due to cream of chicken soup and optional breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free soup and breadcrumbs to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

• What type of chicken works best for this casserole?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover roasted chicken are excellent options. Ensure the chicken is cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces before mixing into the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance.

The Charm Of Chicken And Spinach Casserole

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Whip up this creamy casserole with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy weeknights or beginner cooks.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with tender chicken, rich cheese, and silky spinach, this dish delivers ultimate comfort and satisfying flavors that everyone will love.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Sneak in healthy spinach alongside protein-packed chicken, creating a well-balanced meal that doesn't compromise on taste or enjoyment.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this casserole works magic as a main dish that brings people together with its irresistible cheesy goodness.

Ingredients List For Chicken And Spinach Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that provides the main substance of the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds depth of flavor and richness.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Smooth, rich ingredients that create a luxurious and velvety sauce for the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a foundational flavor profile.
• Spinach: Fresh, nutrient-dense green that adds color and earthy taste to the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that creates a golden, stretchy topping.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crunchy addition that provides a crisp texture to the casserole surface.

How To Prepare Chicken And Spinach Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Warm up a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes.

Add fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down into a vibrant green mass.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Sauce Base

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Mix In Protein And Greens

Fold in the cooked chicken and sautéed spinach mixture into your creamy sauce.

Ensure everything is evenly coated and incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese across the top.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping (Optional)

If you’re craving extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the casserole.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dish is piping hot, bubbly, and the cheese turns golden and melty.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes.

This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your creamy, comforting creation!

Cooking Hacks For Chicken And Spinach Casserole

• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sautéed onions for an extra layer of richness and complexity.
• Swap full-fat ingredients with Greek yogurt, low-fat cream soup, and reduced-fat cheeses to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Use rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat that shreds easily and absorbs more sauce.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers to make the casserole suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Experiment by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts to increase nutritional value and introduce more texture to the casserole.

Delicious Alternatives For Chicken And Spinach Casserole

• Vegetarian Spinach Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, use cauliflower rice as a base, and increase high-fat ingredients like cream cheese for ketogenic diet compliance.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy products with coconut cream, nutritional yeast, almond milk-based cheese, and olive oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free option.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, replace mozzarella with feta cheese, and incorporate roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired casserole.

Serving Ideas To Elevate Chicken And Spinach Casserole

• Hearty Side Kick: Serve alongside fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Freshness Boost: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette to balance the rich casserole flavors.
• Bread Lovers' Delight: Accompany with warm garlic bread or crusty French baguette slices to help scoop up every delicious bite of the creamy chicken mixture.
• Quick Veggie Partner: Add roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli on the side to increase vegetable intake and provide a nutritious complement to the casserole.

How To Store Chicken And Spinach Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to crisp the top cheese layer.

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting chicken and spinach casserole delivers hearty nourishment with rich layers of creamy goodness. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising satisfying meals you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups (720 ml) cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 ml) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Topping:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and sauté diced onions with minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until completely wilted and moisture has evaporated, stirring occasionally.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Fold the cooked chicken and sautéed spinach mixture into the creamy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly across the surface.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole.
8. If desired, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and evenly scatter over the cheese layer for added crunch.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is thoroughly heated, cheese is completely melted, and top develops a golden-brown appearance.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the creamy texture.

Notes

• Swap cream of chicken soup for homemade white sauce to reduce sodium and control ingredients for a healthier version.
• Experiment with alternative protein sources like tofu or white fish for vegetarian or pescatarian dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour to make the casserole celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Fresh spinach provides more nutrients compared to frozen, so opt for fresh leaves when possible for enhanced flavor and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg