Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that’s packed with nutritious ingredients? This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect choice! With tender chicken, healthy spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce all topped with melted cheese, this casserole is a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy to prepare, great for meal prep, and works wonderfully as leftovers. Plus, it's a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies!

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for making this flavorful, creamy chicken casserole with spinach. It's rich, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort food.

this Recipe

What is Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole?

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a baked dish made with tender, cooked chicken, fresh or frozen spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, typically made with cream cheese, sour cream, and/or a creamy béchamel. The casserole is often topped with melted cheese, creating a bubbly, golden crust when baked. It’s a wholesome and filling dish that’s perfect for feeding the family, meal prep, or potlucks. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be customized with different ingredients like mushrooms, pasta, or even rice.

Ingredients List for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole. This recipe serves about 4-6 people, but you can easily double the quantities if you're feeding a crowd or want leftovers.

For the Chicken and Spinach Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried thyme)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for the filling)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup mushrooms, sautéed (for extra veggies)
• 1 cup cooked pasta or rice (for a more substantial casserole)

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is super versatile and can be adapted based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
• Spinach: If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works well too. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream to make this casserole dairy-free. You can also substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative.
• Add Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to make this casserole even heartier.
• Pasta/Rice: You can bulk up the casserole by adding cooked pasta or rice to the mixture, making it a one-dish meal.

These options make the recipe flexible for different diets and preferences without losing its comforting flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the steps to make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole from scratch.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach and Onions

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

If using fresh spinach, add it to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, add the drained spinach to the skillet and stir until warmed through. Season the spinach mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric hand mixer or whisk for this step to ensure there are no lumps. Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese into the cream mixture for extra cheesiness.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Spinach

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, the cooked spinach-onion mixture, and the creamy sauce. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken and spinach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) evenly over the top. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. If you like a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not Draining the Spinach: If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well. Excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
• Overcooking the Chicken: If using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken), be careful not to overcook it in the casserole as it could dry out.
• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can be lumpy and difficult to incorporate into the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your casserole is golden and bubbly, it’s time to serve and present it in the best way possible.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

This casserole is rich and filling on its own, but you can pair it with a few side dishes to complete the meal:

• With a Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to mop up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter side, serve with roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, basil, or thyme over the top for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve in Individual Portions: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a fun and elegant presentation at dinner parties.
• Top with Extra Cheese: For extra indulgence, top each serving with a little extra shredded cheese or Parmesan right before serving.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken can save you time and add extra flavor to the dish.
• Layer the Casserole: If you’re adding rice, pasta, or other vegetables, try layering the ingredients to create different textures in the casserole.
• Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. When ready, simply bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. You can also freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick meals later.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes! If using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw

it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the casserole to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family. It’s also versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins, making it a dish you can enjoy in many different ways. Serve it for dinner or prep it ahead of time for a busy weeknight—either way, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy. Give it a try tonight!

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