Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

Cozy Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe for Families

Whipping up a delightful chicken and spinach casserole can transform ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly spectacular.

Comfort arrives in a single baking dish, promising warmth and flavor in every bite.

Layers of tender chicken mingle with vibrant spinach, creating a harmonious blend that satisfies deep hunger.

Creamy textures wrap around perfectly seasoned ingredients, making each forkful a memorable experience.

Home cooks appreciate how simple yet impressive this dish becomes with minimal preparation.

Cheese adds a golden, melted crown that makes the entire casserole irresistible.

Watching faces light up around the table, you’ll know this recipe has become an instant favorite.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Goodness

  • Maximize Nutrition: Packed with protein-rich chicken and nutrient-dense spinach, this casserole delivers a powerful healthy punch for families seeking balanced meals.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Create a warm, satisfying dinner that brings everyone together with its creamy texture and inviting golden-brown cheesy topping.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Requires minimal prep work and standard kitchen ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal solutions.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable recipe that works beautifully for casual family suppers, potlucks, or feeding hungry guests with minimal kitchen stress.

Ingredients for Chicken Spinach Casserole

For the Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: The main protein source that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the casserole.
For the Base:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a rich and creamy texture that binds the casserole together.
For the Greens:
  • Chopped Spinach: Adds nutritional value and a vibrant green color to the dish.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
For the Topping:
  • Breadcrumbs, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provide a crunchy and cheesy layer that adds texture and depth to the dish.
For the Binding:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to coat the breadcrumbs and create a golden, crispy topping.

How to Bake Creamy Chicken Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and let it heat up while you prepare the delicious casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Blend

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Chopped spinach
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Sour cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Spread in Baking Dish

Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and pour in the chicken and spinach mixture. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the dish.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Cheese Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and stir until the breadcrumbs look glossy and well-coated.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the cheesy breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and spinach layer, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.

Tips to Nail Chicken Spinach Casserole

  • Choose rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for extra flavor and tender meat.
  • Squeeze out excess moisture from spinach to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or provolone for unique taste profiles.
  • Add quinoa or white beans to increase nutritional value and create a heartier dish.
  • Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.

Variations for Chicken Spinach Casserole

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Southwest Spice: Incorporate black beans, corn, diced green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty Tex-Mex version.
  • Herb Garden Harvest: Mix in fresh chopped basil, thyme, and rosemary, then top with panko breadcrumbs and extra herbs for an aromatic herb-infused casserole.
  • Protein Power Boost: Substitute chicken with ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken, and add quinoa for extra protein and texture.

Pairings to Serve with Spinach Casserole

  • Pair Perfectly Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy casserole's rich texture, cutting through the dish's heaviness with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Serve Refreshing Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and add a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy, cheesy main dish.
  • Match Herbal Garlic Bread: Prepare warm garlic bread with fresh parsley to enhance the casserole's savory flavors and provide a crunchy textural counterpoint to the soft, creamy chicken mixture.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted asparagus or broccoli seasoned with herbs to introduce a slightly charred, earthy dimension that elevates the casserole's overall taste profile.

Storage Advice for Chicken Spinach Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this casserole creamy?

The combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted cheese creates a rich, velvety texture that makes this casserole exceptionally creamy and comforting.

  • Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach. Just chop it finely and slightly reduce the moisture by sautéing it briefly before mixing into the casserole to prevent excess liquid.

  • Is this dish good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be prepared in advance. You can assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals ahead of time.

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Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting chicken and spinach casserole blends rich flavors in a hearty one-dish meal that promises pure satisfaction. Cheesy, herb-infused layers meld together, creating a delightful dinner you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded

Cheeses:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Greens:

  • 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, chopped

Creamy Base:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (226 grams) sour cream

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the ingredients form a uniform mixture.
  3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and carefully transfer the chicken and spinach blend, spreading it into an even layer that covers the entire surface.
  4. Create the crispy topping by combining breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and gently toss until the breadcrumbs are completely coated and glistening.
  5. Distribute the seasoned breadcrumb mixture uniformly across the chicken layer, ensuring complete coverage for a crunchy, golden finish.
  6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a rich golden-brown topping that signals perfect doneness.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust taste profile.
  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra moisture and richness to the casserole.
  • Make it gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • For a lighter version, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cream of chicken soup to reduce calories.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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