Looking for a quick, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious? This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for family dinners or meal prepping. Packed with tender chicken, creamy spinach, and a cheesy topping, it’s an indulgent comfort food with wholesome ingredients. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes for spice
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook and shred 2–3 chicken breasts. Set aside.
- Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted (about 2–3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry before adding.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked chicken and sautéed spinach to the creamy mixture. Stir until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden brown finish, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6–8 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream to make this keto-friendly. Serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for cooked quinoa or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan mayo, and almond-based cheese alternatives.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for extra flavor.
- Protein Swap: Try cooked turkey, ground beef, or shredded pork instead of chicken.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). For a single serving, microwave for 2–3 minutes.
Top 10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. - What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Substitute with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. - Can I add pasta to this casserole?
Yes, mix in cooked pasta (like penne or rigatoni) to make it a complete one-dish meal. - Is this casserole gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free, but double-check ingredient labels for hidden gluten. - What’s the best side dish for this casserole?
Pair it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger casserole dish and adjust the baking time by 5–10 minutes. - How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover it with foil during baking and remove it for the last 5 minutes to melt the cheese. - What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor are ideal. Feel free to experiment with Gruyere or cheddar.
Conclusion
This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, cheesy goodness with healthy spinach and protein-packed chicken. It’s a versatile dish perfect for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or meal prepping. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Make it tonight and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal!