Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a nourishing family meal, it features a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses baked until bubbly and golden. Optional additions like mushrooms or artichoke hearts add an extra dimension of taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Spinach
- 2–3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Additions
- Sliced mushrooms
- Artichoke hearts
- Cooked pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and shred the chicken if it’s not already cooked. If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly in a pan over medium heat just until wilted. For frozen spinach, make sure to thaw fully and drain excess water well to avoid a watery casserole.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a creamy sauce base.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish. Layer the shredded chicken evenly, then add the sautéed or thawed spinach. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and mix gently to combine all ingredients together evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, golden brown, and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or cooked rice to complete the meal.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, try incorporating sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts into the casserole before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. If baking from cold, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it is heated through completely.
- Using fresh spinach gives the best texture, but frozen spinach can be a convenient alternative if properly thawed and drained.
Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy spinach casserole, baked chicken recipe, easy casserole, comfort food, cheesy chicken bake
