Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a warm, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is perfect for you! This dish is packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, a rich creamy sauce, and melted cheese—all baked together in one comforting casserole. It’s ideal for a family dinner or when you need a hearty, comforting dish to feed a crowd. This easy-to-make casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s as delicious as it is filling. Let’s dive into this creamy chicken and spinach casserole recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and serving suggestions!

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What is Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole?

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The chicken is cooked with garlic and seasonings, then mixed with sautéed spinach and a rich cream sauce before being topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. The dish is perfect for feeding a family and pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

Ingredients List for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 box frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese blend of your choice)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for the breadcrumb topping, optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is very customizable, so feel free to change things up to suit your preferences:

• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover baked chicken. You can even swap chicken for turkey or ham.
• Spinach: If you prefer, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternative to make the recipe dairy-free. You can also substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Cheese: Try mixing up the cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gouda for different flavors.

These variations let you customize the recipe to your taste while maintaining its creamy, cheesy essence.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make a Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole that’s flavorful and easy to prepare.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté the Spinach

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until it wilts. If you're using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and well-drained. Once cooked, transfer the spinach to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onion for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the skillet with the onions and garlic, stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Chicken and Spinach

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and sautéed spinach. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and spinach mixture, stirring until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish.

6. Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you want a crispy topping, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle that over the cheese.

7. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. If you want a crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

8. Let the Casserole Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld and make it easier to serve.

9. Garnish and Serve

Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to cook Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Sauté Spinach: Cook fresh spinach until wilted, or use thawed frozen spinach.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Cook onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Add cream, sour cream, and seasonings. Stir in cheese until melted.
5. Combine Chicken and Spinach: Mix the cooked chicken and spinach, then pour in the creamy sauce.
6. Top with Cheese: Add mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish, and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making this dish:

1. Not Draining Frozen Spinach: If you're using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly. Excess moisture can make the casserole too watery.
2. Overcooking the Chicken: If your chicken is already cooked (like rotisserie chicken), just warm it through with the sauce. Overcooking can make the chicken dry.
3. Not Letting the Casserole Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving so that the sauce can thicken and settle, making it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how you can serve and present your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole to make it look as delicious as it tastes.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• With Rice: Serve the casserole over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside wild rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Pair it with mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a comforting, hearty meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Garnish with Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve Family-Style: Place the casserole in the center of the table in a large, rustic dish and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for each person.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken, which is already cooked and seasoned.
• Customize the Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts to the casserole for more flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to avoid making the casserole watery.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let the casserole cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Q: Can I make this dish low-carb?
A: Yes! You can skip the breadcrumbs and use a low-carb thickener (like almond flour) in place of regular flour for the sauce. Serve it over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a rich, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special gathering, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its cheesy, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, this casserole is both satisfying and versatile. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and can be customized to your tastes. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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