Cozy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Nestled in my kitchen, a comforting chicken and spinach casserole with cream cheese beckons like a warm embrace.

Creamy textures promise delightful moments of culinary bliss.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this hearty dish that combines tender chicken and vibrant spinach.

Soft cream cheese melts into a luxurious sauce, creating irresistible layers of flavor.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this recipe delivers perfectly.

Busy cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly without sacrificing taste.

You’ll find this casserole becomes an instant favorite that sparks joy around the dinner table.

How to Make Chicken and Spinach Bake with Ease

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dreamy Sauce

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Heavy cream
• Minced garlic
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Blend all ingredients until they transform into a smooth, velvety mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Chopped fresh spinach

Stir everything until each morsel is gloriously coated in the creamy sauce. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle an extra handful of mozzarella on top for that irresistible golden crown.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let it bubble and sizzle for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are temptingly crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for 5 minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some fresh parsley or basil on top. Dive in while it’s hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Smart Tips for Casserole Success

• Optimize Cream Cheese Temperature: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free texture that blends easily with other ingredients.
• Control Spinach Moisture: Thoroughly drain chopped spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery and ensuring a creamy consistency.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with rotisserie, turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick protein alternative that maintains the dish's rich, comforting flavors.
• Enhance Cheese Melting: Grate fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded cheese to improve melting quality and create a more luxurious, stretchy cheese topping.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Reduce or increase red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder, deeper flavor profile.

How to Store and Reheat Spinach Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil and freeze for maximum 2 months. Seal carefully to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of cream to restore moisture if needed.

What to Serve with Chicken Spinach Bake

• Select a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy casserole's richness, balancing the dish's decadent cheese and chicken profile.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty contrast and refresh the palate between creamy casserole bites.
• Serve warm, crusty French bread or garlic ciabatta to soak up the luxurious cream cheese sauce and add textural variety to the meal.
• Prepare roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt to introduce a caramelized, slightly charred element that complements the casserole's smooth texture.

Chicken Spinach Casserole Variations to Explore

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets for a vegetarian, keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a plant-based, allergen-friendly casserole that's equally satisfying.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano to transform the casserole into a Mediterranean-inspired dish with vibrant, zesty flavors.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate quinoa or white beans alongside chicken to increase protein content and create a more filling, nutrient-dense meal for athletes or health-conscious eaters.

FAQs for This Cheesy Chicken Casserole

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze out excess water before adding to the cream cheese mixture. Drain it thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

Absolutely! This chicken and spinach casserole is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for low-carb and keto diets. The combination of chicken, spinach, and cheese provides a protein-rich meal without unnecessary carbs.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover grilled chicken all work perfectly. The key is to use cooked chicken that’s tender and easy to mix into the creamy sauce.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and place directly in the preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Why Chicken and Spinach Casserole Is a Weeknight Win

• Throw together this casserole in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients, making weeknight dinners a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Combines lean chicken and nutrient-rich spinach, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.
• Blends multiple cheeses for a luxurious, creamy texture that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish everyone will crave.
• Requires minimal cleanup with a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time for families and home cooks looking for convenient meal solutions.

What You’ll Need for This Spinach Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein base that adds heartiness to the casserole, best when using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Cream Cheese: Rich and creamy base that provides smooth texture and tangy flavor to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Heavy Cream: Combine to create a luxurious and creamy sauce with layers of cheesy goodness, choose full-fat versions for best results.

• Garlic, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Classic spice blend that enhances overall flavor profile, adds warmth and depth to the casserole.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutrients and color, can use fresh or frozen spinach.
• Parsley or Basil: Optional fresh herb garnish that adds brightness and visual appeal.

Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and spinach casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dining table. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a nourishing meal that satisfies hunger and warms souls with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) block cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a luxurious sauce foundation by whisking softened cream cheese with sour cream, incorporating Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, heavy cream, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Fold tender, shredded chicken and finely chopped spinach into the creamy mixture, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly distributed for balanced flavor profile.
4. Transfer the integrated mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface and generously sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese across the top for a golden, crispy finish.
5. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the edges become bubbly and the cheese transforms into a rich, caramelized golden-brown color.
6. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and intensify flavors. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic touch before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, rich texture of the original dish.
• Reduce carbohydrate content by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta or grains.
• Choose low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as healthier alternatives to standard cream cheese and sour cream without sacrificing flavor intensity.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights, making meal planning more convenient and stress-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg