If you are searching for a comforting, wholesome dish that combines creamy richness with fresh greens and hearty chicken, this Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with tender shredded chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luscious cream cheese base, this casserole balances flavors and textures perfectly. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough to impress family and friends. Plus, the melt-in-your-mouth cheese topping is pure cozy magic. Once you dig into this creamy, cheesy delight, you’ll be hooked and eager to make it over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony between creamy, cheesy, savory, and fresh. These simple staples come together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this casserole unforgettable.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut that adds incredible flavor and saves time.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach adds a bright, healthy crunch and vibrant green color that wakes up the dish.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is the creamy heart of the casserole, providing rich texture and smoothness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and lightens the cream cheese mixture for a perfect balance.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, stringy cheesy goodness throughout.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts the savory, umami flavors and adds a slight salty kick.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Softened onion adds sweet, aromatic depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses a warm, robust flavor that complements the cream cheese wonderfully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing to bring out the best flavors from onion and garlic.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor without overpowering.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Lends subtle garlic richness layered with the fresh minced garlic.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds just a touch of spice to awaken the palate.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens each serving.
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional): For extra texture and heartiness, rice is a wonderful addition to this casserole.
- 1 tbsp melted butter: Perfect for greasing your casserole dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to transform your casserole into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. While it heats, grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with melted butter. This small step goes a long way in preventing sticking and adds a hint of butteriness to your crust.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and releases its sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant—this flavorful foundation brings warmth and depth to every bite of the casserole.
Step 3: Cook Spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts down, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step ensures the spinach’s moisture blends nicely with the creamy mixture rather than releasing water inside the casserole. After it’s perfectly wilted, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until your mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is what ties all the elements of the recipe into a comforting, cohesive meal.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and if you’re using it, cooked rice into your creamy sauce. Mix everything well so the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with that cheesy, tangy sauce. This step guarantees every forkful is bursting with balanced flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Transfer your mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want it bubbly and golden brown on top—this irresistible crust is the signal your Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe is ready to enjoy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of garden-fresh aroma. Let it cool for a few minutes so it sets up nicely before serving. This casserole is best enjoyed warm and gooey—the perfect dish to bring comfort and joy to your table.
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is my favorite, adding a fresh green touch that looks as good as it tastes. You can also experiment with a handful of toasted pine nuts or a few red pepper flakes if you want a hint of crunch or heat. These small details elevate the presentation and flavor without fuss.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balances the meal beautifully. Light lemon vinaigrette-dressed greens or roasted Brussels sprouts bring refreshing contrasts to the creamy richness. Crusty bread or garlic breadsticks also make excellent companions to soak up every cheesy bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins for perfectly portioned, charming servings. This also makes it great for dinner parties or potlucks. Layering with extra cheese on top before baking creates an ooey-gooey finish that guests will rave about. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika on top for subtle smokiness and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and freshness. The casserole tends to thicken up in the fridge, so a gentle warm-up is advisable before eating again.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare it fully but do not bake, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This makes it perfect for an effortless meal anytime you want comfort and ease.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Reheating gently preserves that creamy texture and delicious flavors just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out the excess water from frozen spinach before adding it to the dish to avoid a watery casserole. Fresh spinach does give a nicer texture and brightness, but frozen works well in a pinch.
Is there a way to make this casserole low-carb?
Absolutely! Simply skip the cooked rice, and use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream to keep it creamy and satisfying while cutting down on carbs. This will still be wonderfully rich and delicious without affecting the core flavors.
Can I substitute the chicken with turkey or another protein?
Definitely. Leftover turkey or cooked shredded rotisserie turkey works just as well and pairs beautifully with the creamy spinach and cheese. You can also try shredded cooked pork or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian take by adding extra cheese and spinach.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce or chipotle powder into the creamy mixture for smoky heat that complements the rich cheese perfectly.
What are some alternative cheeses I can use?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere work wonderfully and melt well, offering different flavor profiles. Feel free to mix and match cheeses you love. Just keep the balance of creaminess and meltability in mind for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe is one of those treasures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavors that everyone will appreciate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish promises smiles with every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious casserole that’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
Print
Chicken and Spinach Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole made with shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cream cheese and sour cream base, baked to golden perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for added texture)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with melted butter to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Once wilted, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Mix Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the shredded chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and optional cooked rice into the creamy sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
- Bake Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if desired. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving to let it set.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rice with cooked quinoa or omit it entirely for a lower-carb version.
- Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy, but any cooked shredded chicken will work.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, assembled, and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
