Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melty cheese, it’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

• 2-3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Optional additions: sliced mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or cooked pasta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chicken by cooking and shredding it if it’s not already cooked.
2. Step 2: If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly until wilted. For frozen spinach, thaw and drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir until smooth and well blended.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Step 5: Grease a casserole dish and layer in the shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, and creamy sauce. Mix gently to combine evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. It pairs well with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts when layering the casserole.
• Mix in cooked pasta to make the dish heartier and turn it into a one-pot meal.
• Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper cheese taste.
• If using frozen spinach, be sure to drain it very well to prevent a watery casserole.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time while adding extra flavor to the dish.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, or cooked beans to keep it hearty and satisfying.

Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 58 reviews

A creamy and comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for a hearty family meal and can be customized with mushrooms, artichokes, or pasta.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2–3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Optional Additions

• Sliced mushrooms
• Artichoke hearts
• Cooked pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and shred your chicken if it’s not pre-cooked to have the protein ready for layering.
2. Sauté Spinach: If using fresh spinach, sauté lightly until wilted to remove excess moisture; if using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid sogginess.
3. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended to create a creamy sauce base.
4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
5. Assemble the Casserole: In a greased casserole dish, layer the shredded chicken and sautéed spinach, then pour the creamy sauce over and mix gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
6. Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the assembled casserole.
7. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use cooked chicken leftovers to save time.
• Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Optional additions like mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or cooked pasta can be added for extra flavor and texture.
• Let the casserole rest after baking to allow it to set for easier serving.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, spinach casserole, creamy chicken bake, baked chicken recipe, easy casserole recipe