If you’re after a meal that’s both comforting and crave-worthy, look no further than Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. This dish bundles tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a velvety sauce into one irresistible bake. Every forkful is layered with flavor and melty cheeses, all brought together under a golden, buttery crumb topping. Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the sort of dinner guaranteed to put smiles around your table — it’s quick to assemble, easy to personalize, and bound to become a repeat request!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s the combination of everyday staples in this recipe that makes the magic happen. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, whether it’s richness, savoriness, or just that perfect bit of crunch. Here’s what you’ll need for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or home-cooked, this adds juicy protein and heartiness as the foundation of your casserole.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and lending a hint of richness to the vegetable base.
- Onion (finely chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor that balances the creamy sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Enhances everything with an aromatic, savory kick.
- Fresh spinach: Not only does it add color, but it also brings nutrients and a mild earthiness to every bite.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: This shortcut ingredient creates that signature creamy texture and boosts the savory goodness.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness, making the sauce utterly luscious.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into stretchiness throughout the casserole for a cheesy, comforting finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty punch and extra flavor complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: These classic seasonings bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Paprika: Sprinkled in for gentle warmth and beautiful color.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs ties everything together with a savory, aromatic note.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the mixture perfectly moist, never dry.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs: The ideal topping for crunch and contrast.
- Melted butter: Tossed with the topping to help it turn golden and deliciously crisp.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so that your creamy casserole slides out easily with every scoop and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Spinach
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, sautéing until it’s translucent and fragrant, which should take about three minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add all the fresh spinach and stir until it’s just wilted and tender, soaking up all those savory flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Filling
In a spacious bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, the sautéed spinach mixture, cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, melty mozzarella, savory Parmesan, chicken broth, and all the seasonings. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 4: Spread into the Baking Dish
Pour the creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. This helps the Casserole cook uniformly, ensuring every serving is loaded with all the good stuff.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a golden, crunchy topping once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole in the oven, uncovered. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the topping has turned a delectable golden brown.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about five minutes after baking. This short pause makes it easier to slice and serve, and the flavors meld even more beautifully during this time.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled over the top adds both freshness and a pop of color. For a little extra sharpness, try a dusting of grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil before serving. This extra flourish makes Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole look as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairs flawlessly with a crisp green salad, simple roasted vegetables, or a pile of garlic bread for sopping up every bit of creamy sauce. Rice or orzo also work well if you want to stretch the meal a little further without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Try individual ramekins for dinner parties — everyone gets their own bubbling portion, which always feels festive. Or spoon the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, edible serving idea. Even topping the casserole with a fried or poached egg can transform it into a crowd-pleasing brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days. The flavors only deepen and mellow, so leftovers are a treat in lunches and quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your casserole, simply let it cool completely before wrapping securely in foil and plastic wrap. It’ll hold beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze before baking and add the topping just before you pop it in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly throughout. If reheating single portions, a few minutes in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the plate will revive that luscious, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the pan, so you maintain that satisfying creamy consistency in your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
If you’re using rotisserie or cooked chicken breasts, two forks work great for easy, quick shredding. You can also pulse cooked chicken in a stand mixer for super-fast, even shreds!
Is there a way to lighten up the casserole?
Yes, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese if you like. The result is still wonderfully creamy but with a lighter feel, perfect for making Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole a little more everyday-friendly.
Can I add pasta or rice to the casserole?
Certainly! Fold in some cooked pasta or rice along with the chicken for an even heartier meal in one dish. Just make sure you don’t overfill your baking dish, and you may want to add an extra splash of chicken broth to keep everything luscious.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Choose a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap the Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. Check all seasoning blends for hidden gluten, and you’ll have a lovely gluten-free Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole!
Final Thoughts
Next time you crave cozy, feel-good food, let Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole take center stage. It’s a dish that brings people together with its creamy texture, vibrant spinach, and golden crunch. Give it a try — I’m sure it’ll become a treasured favorite in your home, too!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this comforting Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, sauté the onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook the spinach: Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In a bowl, combine chicken, spinach mixture, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheeses, chicken broth, and seasonings. Mix well.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Combine crushed crackers with butter, sprinkle over the casserole. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for this recipe.
- Add cooked pasta or rice to make it a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
