Looking for a wholesome, creamy, and delicious dinner that you can whip up with minimal fuss? This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect answer. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection and is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s a versatile dish that works for both a family dinner and a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Plus, it's great for using up leftover chicken or veggies you have on hand.
Let’s dive into this easy, flavorful recipe with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to customize it to your taste!
What is Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole?
A Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting dish featuring chunks of juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce made from a combination of cheese, cream, and seasonings. The dish is topped with a layer of melty cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. This casserole strikes the perfect balance between hearty and nutritious, combining protein, veggies, and creamy goodness in one dish.
Ingredients List for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
- 6 ounces fresh spinach (about 3 cups, roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds a subtle warmth to the spinach)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for breadcrumbs if using)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make some adjustments to suit your dietary needs or the ingredients you have on hand:
- Chicken substitutions: You can use turkey, ground chicken, or even cooked sausage instead of chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, cooked quinoa, or chickpeas.
- Spinach substitutions: Frozen spinach (thawed and drained) works just as well if you don’t have fresh spinach. You can also swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or a mix of leafy greens.
- Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Gluten-free version: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply omit the panko breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this creamy chicken and spinach casserole from start to finish:
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish (or similar size) with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the spinach
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until wilted. Remove the spinach from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Make the creamy sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to stir until the sauce is well combined and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine the chicken, spinach, and sauce
Add the cooked chicken and wilted spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken and spinach are fully coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Transfer to the casserole dish
Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or your preferred cheese) evenly over the top.
7. Add the breadcrumb topping (optional)
If you’re adding a crispy breadcrumb topping, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
8. Bake the casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs (if using) are golden brown.
9. Garnish and serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve with your favorite sides or enjoy it on its own!
How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re new to cooking or want some extra tips, here’s a deeper dive into how to make sure your casserole turns out perfectly:
- Cooking the spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Making a smooth sauce: To avoid lumps, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the skillet. Stir constantly as it melts to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Layering the casserole: Once you’ve mixed the chicken and spinach with the creamy sauce, spread it evenly in the casserole dish to ensure each bite is filled with chicken, spinach, and cheesy goodness.
- Baking to perfection: You’ll know the casserole is done when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden, and the center is heated through. If your casserole is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the spinach: If you’re using frozen spinach or cooking fresh spinach, be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding it to the casserole. Too much moisture can make the casserole watery.
- Overcooking the chicken: Since the chicken is already cooked before going into the casserole, you only need to bake it long enough for the cheese to melt and everything to heat through. Overbaking can lead to dry chicken.
- Skipping the cream cheese softening step: Cold cream cheese won’t melt smoothly and may leave lumps in your sauce, so make sure it’s softened before adding it to the skillet.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some suggestions:
- Family-style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the table. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh herbs for a pop of color.
- Individual portions: Scoop the casserole onto individual plates and serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Here are a few ideas for serving this delicious casserole:
- With a green salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the casserole.
- With roasted veggies: Serve the casserole with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini to add some extra nutrients to your meal.
- Over rice or pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the creamy chicken and spinach casserole over cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
To make your casserole look as appetizing as it tastes, try these presentation tips:
- Herb garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, basil, or chives can add a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve in a cast-iron skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, you can bake and serve the casserole in it for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
- Top with extra cheese: For an extra gooey, cheesy topping, sprinkle a bit more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top just before baking.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the spinach completely
and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the casserole.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or use a mixture of sour cream and shredded cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe low-carb?
Yes, this casserole is already fairly low in carbs, but you can make it keto-friendly by omitting the breadcrumb topping and ensuring your ingredients (like the chicken broth, if you add any) are low-carb.
How can I add more vegetables?
You can easily bulk up the dish by adding more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the casserole.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and nutritious spinach. It's an easy, versatile dish that you can prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with sides, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
PrintCreamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Baked to perfection, this casserole is easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings. With minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, it's a satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 10 oz fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed, and drained)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh), about 3-4 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it's fully drained.
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, cooked spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and smooth out the top.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for added crunch.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add mushrooms or broccoli for extra veggies.
- This casserole pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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