If you’re craving a comforting dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor, the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is a total winner. This casserole combines tender, juicy chicken with vibrant spinach all swaddled in a rich and velvety cream cheese and sour cream sauce that melts into every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade and satisfying, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with minimal effort but maximum love at the table. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly earn a top spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these simple, fresh ingredients together is the first step to transforming ordinary staples into an extraordinary Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s lending creaminess, freshness, or a burst of flavor that makes the dish sing.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Choose shredded or chopped; cooked chicken adds hearty protein and a meaty texture that carries the flavors.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness that balances the rich cheeses.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tang and creaminess for a luscious, smooth sauce.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Builds the creamy foundation for that signature casserole texture.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a subtle richness to bind all ingredients beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, ensuring every bite feels indulgent.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty finish that enhances depth of flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Creates a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed with garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that tie the whole dish together with a touch of herbal warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing, adding richness without overpowering.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready precisely when your casserole is assembled, so it bakes evenly into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spinach
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they turn soft and release a fragrant aroma—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts down, which usually takes just 2 to 3 minutes. This step intensifies flavor and softens the spinach perfectly before mixing it into the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Blend the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and silky, ensuring there are no lumps. This creamy base will envelop the chicken and veggies, making every forkful rich and luscious.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Gently fold in the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Take care to blend everything together evenly so the casserole will have bursts of cheesy goodness and tender chunks of chicken throughout.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the surface for that irresistible golden crust. Pop it in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbly around the edges and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes outside the oven to let the flavors settle before digging in.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes brings brightness and an extra layer of texture to your cozy casserole. Try scattering some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of green and herby freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few sun-dried tomato pieces can give an elegant touch as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance its rich creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bite. For a lighter option, roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans complement the casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family meal, serve directly from the baking dish for that warm, comforting feel. If you’re hosting, portion the casserole into individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a charming, personalized presentation that feels extra special. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top right before baking for some satisfying crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners or lunch prep.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Before baking, you can assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed. Alternatively, help yourself to frozen leftovers by portioning and freezing individual servings in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole portions in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. Microwaving works in a pinch but reheating in the oven helps restore that delicious baked crust and creamy texture flawlessly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain any frozen spinach to remove excess moisture; otherwise, your casserole might turn out soggy. Fresh spinach gives a slightly brighter flavor but frozen works perfectly well in a pinch.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can try using ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor. However, cream cheese provides the signature tangy creaminess that makes this recipe so irresistible, so if possible, stick with that for best results.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that any processed ingredients like mayonnaise or seasoning blends don’t contain gluten additives. Always best to verify if cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts would be delicious additions. Just be sure to sauté or cook them beforehand to remove excess moisture and avoid sogginess in the final bake.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess. Also, using less mayonnaise or substituting it with avocado can lighten it up and add a fresh twist.
Final Thoughts
I hope you can feel my excitement for the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe because it truly is one of those dishes that makes you smile from the first to the last bite. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with fresh goodness that’s perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this incredible casserole—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender cooked chicken with sautéed spinach, rich cream cheese, sour cream, and melted mozzarella. Enhanced with garlic, onion, and Italian seasonings, this baked casserole is perfect for an easy family dinner that’s warm, cheesy, and packed with protein and greens.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spinach Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before combining.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce. Stir gently until well combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or poached chicken breasts for convenience.
- Fresh spinach is preferred for sautéing, but frozen spinach (thawed and well-drained) can be used as a substitute.
- For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses.
- You can add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the sautéed vegetables for added flavor and texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure smooth blending in the creamy base.
- Serve the casserole with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to complete the meal.
