This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect comforting dish for a busy weeknight or a family gathering. It combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and fresh spinach into a luscious casserole that’s baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover chicken or want a hearty, yet easy meal, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. Packed with flavor and creaminess, it’s sure to be a staple in your dinner rotation!

What makes this casserole stand out is the creamy sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The sautéed spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while the seasonings bring everything together. You can easily customize this dish by adding extras like mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or pasta for a little extra texture. Ready in just 45 minutes, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With only a few ingredients and simple steps, this casserole comes together in under an hour, making it the perfect dish for a busy weeknight.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella creates a creamy base that coats the chicken and spinach perfectly.

3. Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with spinach, this casserole provides a good dose of vitamins and minerals while still feeling indulgent and satisfying.

4. Versatile

You can easily adjust the recipe by adding your favorite veggies, mushrooms, or cooked pasta, allowing for a variety of flavor combinations.

5. Great for Leftovers

This casserole reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients

Cooked and shredded chicken
Fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic (minced)
Small onion (finely chopped)
Salt
Black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Optional Additions:

Sliced mushrooms
Artichoke hearts
Cooked pasta

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole.
Pasta Version: Add cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) to the casserole for a more filling dish that’s similar to a pasta bake.
Cheese Swap: If you prefer a different cheese, you can swap mozzarella for cheddar, Gruyère, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

If your chicken isn’t already cooked, cook and shred it. For fresh spinach, sauté it lightly until wilted. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess water.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Stir until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish, then layer in the shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and creamy sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Pair with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice for a well-rounded meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain Spinach Well: If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Cook Chicken in Advance: If you’re short on time, use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken in the casserole.
Creamier Texture: For an extra creamy casserole, you can add a little more sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
Add Crunch: For some texture, top the casserole with breadcrumbs before baking and toast them in the oven for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

How to Serve

This creamy chicken and spinach casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice or mashed potatoes for a well-balanced meal. For added flavor, serve with some warm crusty bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. If freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, frozen chicken can be used, but make sure to cook it thoroughly and shred it before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I substitute the sour cream for something else?

Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream if you prefer a healthier option.

3. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check the labels on your cream cheese and other ingredients for any hidden gluten.

4. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or cooked pasta for a hearty vegetarian casserole.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

6. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works great in this recipe, but be sure to drain it thoroughly before using it.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

8. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

10. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère to change the flavor profile of the casserole.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort. With a creamy, cheesy base and tender chicken and spinach, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether served with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite!