Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe with Cheese Heaven

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful spinach chicken casserole that blends creamy textures with hearty ingredients.

Layers of tender chicken mingle with vibrant green spinach and rich cream cheese.

Melted mozzarella creates a golden, irresistible topping that makes every bite sing with flavor.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this simple yet elegant dish.

Home cooks looking for a crowd-pleasing meal will adore how quickly this casserole comes together.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious nutrition.

Prepare to fall in love with this cheesy, veggie-packed culinary delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Spinach Chicken Casserole Essentials

• Creamy cream cheese and melty mozzarella create a rich, indulgent texture that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love.
• Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from spinach, this casserole offers a balanced meal that tastes incredible while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
• Using just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it ideal for beginner cooks or anyone wanting a stress-free dinner solution.

What Goes Into Spinach Chicken Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole, best when fresh and boneless.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that adds rich texture and tangy flavor, softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides a stretchy, gooey topping with mild, smooth taste.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and subtle tang to enhance the overall creaminess of the dish.

• Fresh Spinach: Nutritious green that brings color, flavor, and health benefits to the casserole.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and classic savory undertones.
• Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complements the other seasonings.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle onion flavor without adding extra moisture.

• Olive Oil: Used for greasing the baking dish and potential light sautéing.
• Cooking Spray: Alternative option for preparing the baking dish.

Casserole Instructions You’ll Love

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Let it warm up while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Creamy Base

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Prepare Chicken

• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Prepared chicken pieces
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Stir everything together until evenly coated.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese

Step 8: Bake Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve. Cut into portions and enjoy your creamy, cheesy spinach chicken casserole!

Helpful Tips for Chicken, Cream Cheese, and Mozzarella

• Choose Fresh Spinach: Opt for crisp, vibrant green spinach leaves to ensure maximum flavor and nutrition in your casserole.
• Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from thawed or cooked spinach by pressing with paper towels to prevent a watery casserole.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with cheddar or Swiss for different flavor profiles, or use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace regular flour with almond flour or cornstarch when thickening the sauce to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Reheating and Storing Your Spinach Chicken Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Restore crispy edges by warming in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and keep the cheese melty.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Complements Spinach Chicken Casserole

• Complement the creamy, rich casserole with a buttery white wine that balances the dish's smooth texture and cuts through its richness.
• Add a crunchy side that soaks up the casserole's delicious sauce, providing a textural contrast and extra flavor dimension.
• Create a light, peppery green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the heavy casserole and add refreshing acidity.
• Offer a lighter red wine with subtle fruit notes that won't overpower the delicate chicken and spinach flavors.

Fun Ways to Customize This Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly casserole.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap chicken for lean turkey and substitute cream cheese with cauliflower puree to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a plant-based protein source.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of mozzarella to accommodate dairy-sensitive diets.

Spinach Chicken Casserole FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can! Just thaw the frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out all excess water before mixing it into the casserole. This prevents the dish from becoming too watery.

• Is it okay to substitute chicken breasts with another protein?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey work great in this recipe. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for a slightly more tender result.

• How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

Try using reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of some of the cream cheese to cut down on calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Spinach Chicken Casserole With Cream Cheese And Mozzarella Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy spinach chicken casserole delivers comfort and elegance in one delightful dish. Melted mozzarella and rich cream cheese blend perfectly, creating a mouthwatering meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary cravings while promising pure dining pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Dairy and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating the interior with a thin layer of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, creating a smooth and even mixture.
4. Fold in fresh spinach leaves, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chicken and cream cheese blend.
5. Incorporate minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper into the mixture, stirring gently to distribute the seasonings uniformly.
6. Transfer the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to ensure consistent cooking.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously across the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface for a golden, melted cheese finish.
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to set before serving.
10. Garnish with optional fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap regular cream cheese for low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to make this dish more diet-friendly for those watching calories or avoiding dairy.
• Maximize flavor by using fresh spinach instead of frozen, which adds a brighter taste and better texture to the casserole.
• Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or brown rice to the bottom of the baking dish for a more substantial meal that keeps you fuller longer.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, making this recipe heart-healthy and suitable for those monitoring salt intake.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 41g
• Cholesterol: 110mg