Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and shred your chicken if it’s not pre-cooked to have the protein ready for layering.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the assembled casserole.
- 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.
- 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
