Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe: Cozy Family Magic

Whipping up a mouthwatering creamy chicken and spinach casserole brings comfort to your dinner table like nothing else.

Culinary magic happens when tender chicken meets vibrant green spinach in this hearty dish.

Layers of rich, velvety sauce create a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this casserole delivers pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal fuss.

Simple ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into a recipe that promises warmth, flavor, and pure satisfaction on your plate.

You’ll Appreciate The Warmth Of Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this creamy casserole in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach, this dish delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while providing essential nutrients for the whole family.
• Low-Effort Gourmet Experience: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, transforming basic pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dinner.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping proteins or using gluten-free alternatives, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a hearty, cheesy casserole.

Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole Elements

• Cooked Chicken: Provides the hearty protein base for the casserole, best when freshly shredded and tender.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Adds rich, creamy texture and tangy depth to the casserole, full-fat versions recommended for best flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Delivers melty, stretchy topping and sharp, salty cheese notes, freshly grated cheese preferred.

• Fresh Spinach: Brings vibrant green color and nutritious leafy element, choose crisp and bright leaves.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create smooth, moist consistency and enhances overall savory taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavor, adjust to personal preference.

Chicken Spinach Casserole Creamy Method

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by cranking the temperature to 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Tame The Spinach

Grab a large pan and gently cook the spinach over medium heat until it softens and reduces.

Set the wilted greens aside for later.

Step 3: Create The Dreamy Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Protein And Greens

Fold the shredded chicken and wilted spinach into the creamy sauce.

Mix thoroughly so every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become deliciously bubbly.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

This helps the sauce set and makes cutting easier.

Handy Steps For Smooth Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole

• Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or white fish for variety and dietary preferences.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and cut back on added salt to make the dish heart-friendly.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for increased nutrition and texture.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Replace cream cheese and sour cream with cashew cream or dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Chicken Spinach Casserole: Store the Rest

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Stir midway to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Chicken Spinach Casserole Companions

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes to complement the creamy casserole's rich texture and enhance its subtle garlic undertones.
• Refresh with Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a zesty, fresh contrast.
• Match Bread Companion: Serve warm garlic breadsticks or crusty sourdough to soak up the creamy sauce and add delightful textural dimension to each bite.
• Balance Side Dish: Add roasted asparagus with olive oil and sea salt to introduce a green vegetable that harmonizes with the spinach and provides a subtle earthy complement.

Chicken Spinach Casserole Made More Interesting

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, use full-fat cream cheese, and substitute chicken with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and select almond milk-based broth to maintain creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, increase spinach quantity, and add nutritional yeast for protein and cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use cornstarch as a potential thickener, and verify broth contains no gluten-based additives.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the recipe. Fresh and frozen spinach work equally well in this casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. It keeps well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator and reheats nicely.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is perfect, but you can also use leftover grilled, baked, or shredded chicken breasts. Any cooked chicken will work well.

• Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

While challenging, you could try dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free mozzarella alternatives. However, the texture and taste might slightly differ from the original recipe.

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and spinach casserole offers comfort with rich, cheesy goodness that promises pure satisfaction. Home cooks will relish this simple yet delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, shredded

Vegetables:

• 4 cups (960 ml) fresh spinach, chopped

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 ml) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing a baking vessel with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Gently transform fresh spinach into a wilted state using a skillet over moderate heat, then carefully transfer to a separate container.
3. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking cream cheese, tangy sour cream, rich chicken broth, aromatic garlic powder, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Introduce tender shredded chicken and the previously wilted spinach into the creamy mixture, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly embraced by the velvety sauce.
5. Transfer the harmonious blend into the waiting baking dish, creating an inviting canvas for the final touch of culinary artistry.
6. Generously crown the casserole with a lavish layer of melty mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese, promising a golden, irresistible finish.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the casserole to transform for 20-25 minutes until the top becomes a captivating golden brown and the edges bubble with appetizing enthusiasm.
8. Pause briefly after removing from the oven, letting the casserole settle and intensify its flavors before serving this comforting masterpiece.

Notes

• Swap dairy for lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt and low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Enhance protein by adding quinoa or white beans alongside chicken for extra nutrition and texture variety.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and checking seasoning labels carefully.
• Elevate the dish’s depth by roasting garlic instead of using powder, which intensifies the overall savory profile and adds complexity to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg