If you are looking for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This casserole blends tender shredded chicken with vibrant spinach and a luscious creamy sauce, all topped with a melty, golden cheese crust. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and fresh, making it an ideal meal to enjoy any day of the week. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple that you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this casserole plays a vital role in creating a balanced dish full of flavor and texture. These simple but essential ingredients come together to bring vibrant color, creamy richness, and satisfying protein to your table.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein that keeps this casserole hearty and filling.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the spinach to perfection.
- Fresh spinach: Gives a pop of color and a nutritious boost with every bite.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with its signature savory aroma.
- Cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that binds all flavors beautifully.
- Sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess to deepen the flavor profile.
- Milk: Lightens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Onion powder: Brings mild sweetness and subtle complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for well-rounded taste.
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates gooey, melty goodness throughout the casserole.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty-flavor contrast on top and inside.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy, buttery topping if you like a little extra texture.
- Melted butter (if using topping): Helps the topping brown beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking dish and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or something similar to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the spinach and garlic
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté until it wilts down, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant but not browned. This step awakens the flavors and softens the spinach perfectly.
Step 3: Mix the creamy chicken filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the sautéed spinach and garlic. Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended. Then fold in the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese, setting the other half aside for topping. This mixture should be creamy, cheesy, and full of savory goodness.
Step 4: Assemble and add the topping
Pour the creamy mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. If you’re using a crunchy topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter until crumbly and sprinkle it over the casserole. Finish with the remaining Parmesan cheese for that final golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to bubbly perfection
Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the filling to be hot and bubbly and the top to be a light, golden brown. When it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets just right and is easier to scoop.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil over the hot casserole before serving. A little cracked black pepper on top can also add a nice visual contrast and a slight spice kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that complement its rich and creamy nature. Think crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a light quinoa pilaf. For a low-carb pairing, steamed cauliflower or sautéed zucchini ribbons are excellent choices.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn this into a show-stopper, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for personal portions. Another fun twist is to layer it over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier presentation that’s both filling and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it well to preserve moisture and flavor so you can enjoy tasty leftovers without any fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps keep it creamy and prevents drying out. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, just heat in short bursts and stir between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used! Just be sure to thaw and drain it very well to remove excess water so your casserole doesn’t become watery.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the cheeses and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or homemade substitute. This way, you keep the creamy texture without the dairy.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cooked broccoli can be great additions to boost flavor and nutrition.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Using crushed buttery crackers like Ritz combined with melted butter creates a wonderful crispy topping. Toasting the topping slightly before baking also helps achieve extra crunch.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like home on a fork—comforting, filling, and bursting with flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve guests, making it a versatile favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how such straightforward ingredients come together to create something truly irresistible and unforgettable.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting and flavorful American main course dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender shredded chicken is combined with sautéed fresh spinach, creamy soup, sour cream, and rich cheeses, then baked to a bubbly, golden finish. It can be customized with optional crunchy topping for added texture or made gluten-free using suitable ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté the spinach and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, sautéed spinach and garlic, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until well blended.
- Add cheeses: Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture to distribute the creamy cheesy flavor evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform cooking.
- Prepare and add the topping (optional): If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Then, finish by sprinkling the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly and the top turns lightly golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient option.
- Add cooked pasta or rice to the mixture if you want to make the casserole more filling.
- For a low-carb alternative, omit the crunchy topping and serve with cauliflower rice instead.
- Ensure the cream of chicken soup and any crackers or breadcrumbs are gluten-free if preparing a gluten-free version.
