The Best Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe Ever
Comfort arrives in a bubbling dish of creamy chicken and spinach casserole that promises pure satisfaction.
This hearty meal combines tender chicken with vibrant green spinach in a rich, velvety sauce.
Layers of flavor meld together, creating a perfect balance of protein and greens.
Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this casserole delivers with its warm, inviting essence.
Home cooks adore how quickly it comes together, needing just a few simple ingredients.
Cheese adds a golden, melty top that makes every bite irresistible.
Serve this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch as everyone asks for seconds.
Steps for Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Space
Get your oven warmed up to 375°F.
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Create The Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, blend together your sauce ingredients:Stir these ingredients until they’re smoothly combined.
Step 3: Add Protein And Greens
Fold into the creamy mixture:Mix everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure a consistent layer.
Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping (Optional)
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this golden mixture across the top of the casserole for extra texture.
Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
You’re looking for a bubbly center and a golden-brown top.
Step 7: Rest And Serve
Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes.
This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor if you’d like.
Tips for Cheesy, Luscious Casserole
Variations for Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Plating Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake
Storing Chicken Spinach Casserole
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding to the mixture to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
Not automatically. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully.
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach, Oven-Baked Comfort
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Main Protein:Creamy Base Ingredients:Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:Additional Components: Print
Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Rich, comforting chicken and spinach casserole brings classic Southern comfort to dinner tables with its cheesy, hearty layers. Savory ingredients meld perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
Vegetables:
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a creamy base by whisking together the soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings until smooth and well-blended.
- Fold the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella into the creamy mixture, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer the combined ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly to create a consistent layer.
- If desired, toss breadcrumbs with melted butter to create a crispy topping, then sprinkle generously over the casserole surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is heated through.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added freshness before serving.
Notes
- Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals to maintain the casserole’s crispy texture.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat content and add extra protein, creating a lighter version of the dish.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and add more depth to the flavor profile.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together, then bake when ready to serve for enhanced taste and convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 414 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Michael Reyes
Founder & Lead Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.