Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a cozy, oven-baked dish that combines tender shredded chicken, velvety cream cheese sauce, and nutritious spinach under a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole is both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving something hearty, it delivers comfort in every bite.

What makes this dish a winner is how simple it is to prepare while still tasting like something you spent hours perfecting. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, and the creamy base comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. This casserole also offers great flexibility: you can toss in extras like mushrooms, pasta, or artichoke hearts to tailor it to your preferences or what’s in your fridge. The balance of creamy richness, melted cheese, and savory chicken makes it a satisfying meal on its own or paired with a light side. It’s also a great way to sneak more greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Comforting, creamy, and easy to love—this casserole deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Cheesy – The rich, velvety sauce combined with gooey cheese is pure comfort.
2. Great Way to Use Leftover Chicken – A perfect dish to repurpose cooked or rotisserie chicken.
3. Customizable – Easily add mushrooms, pasta, or other vegetables to suit your taste.
4. Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and freeze for busy nights.
5. Low-Carb Friendly – Naturally low in carbs, especially if you skip optional add-ins like pasta.

Ingredients

• Cooked and shredded chicken
• Fresh or frozen spinach
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Onion
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Optional additions: mushrooms, artichoke hearts, cooked pasta

Variations

Add Pasta

Mix in cooked pasta such as penne or rotini before baking for a heartier meal.

Mushroom Lover’s Version

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for a deeper, earthy flavor.

Artichoke Twist

Add chopped artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean spin.

Low-Carb Keto Version

Skip the pasta and focus on protein and cheese—perfect for low-carb diets.

Spicy Kick

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the cream mixture for a spicy twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cook and shred the chicken if not using pre-cooked.
If using fresh spinach, sauté until wilted. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain thoroughly.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a casserole dish, then layer in the chicken, spinach, and cream cheese mixture. Gently mix to combine.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Pair with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Drain spinach well to avoid a watery casserole.
• Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother sauce.
• Pre-cooked chicken saves time and makes prep faster.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
• Use freshly grated cheese for best flavor and melting quality.

How to Serve

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or rice. For a complete comfort meal, add a side of mashed potatoes or a light soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze baked portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver and adds lots of flavor.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

3. Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a lighter option.

5. What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can use ricotta or mascarpone, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

6. Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, especially if you skip the optional pasta and use low-carb ingredients.

7. Can I use canned spinach?

Not recommended, as it tends to be too wet and mushy. Stick with fresh or frozen.

8. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese substitutes for a lactose-free version.

9. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Oven reheating is best for texture, but the microwave works for convenience.

10. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a simple yet comforting dish that’s loaded with flavor and versatility. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover chicken or plan a cozy family dinner, this recipe checks every box. It’s creamy, cheesy, easy to customize, and always satisfying. With just a few steps and common ingredients, you can have a hearty meal ready to go in under an hour. Add it to your weekly rotation—you’ll be glad you did.

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