If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, look no further than this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food: creamy, savory, and bubbling with cheesy goodness in every forkful. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luscious cream cheese sauce is irresistibly rich without being heavy. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this casserole is a breeze, and each element brings something special to the table. The vibrant spinach, creamy cheeses, and perfectly seasoned chicken all work together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color you’ll love.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken for the best texture—rotisserie chicken makes this even easier!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and spinach to perfection.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Brings color, flavor, and a boost of nutrients—swap for frozen if needed, just drain well.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): The star ingredient for that dreamy, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and helps create a smooth, spoonable sauce.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Gives a subtle richness and helps bind everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory background flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and brings out all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): For a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color on top.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy top layer.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese won’t stick and will be easy to serve.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until it smells amazing—don’t let it brown! Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts down and looks beautifully vibrant. Remove the skillet from the heat so the spinach doesn’t overcook.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This dreamy mixture is what makes Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese so unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Spinach
Gently fold the cooked chicken and the sautéed spinach into your creamy base. Stir until everything is evenly coated and you can see flecks of green spinach and juicy chicken throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes once it comes out of the oven. This gives the creamy filling a chance to set, making it easier to scoop and serve every delicious portion of Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese.
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top right before serving. These little extras add a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor that really makes the dish pop.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a scoop of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice. The creamy richness of Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is perfectly balanced by lighter, fresher sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party, or spoon the casserole over toasted sourdough for a cozy twist on open-faced sandwiches. You can even stuff leftovers into a wrap or pita for a satisfying lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
This casserole freezes surprisingly well! Simply let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly (about 20 minutes). For a quick lunch, microwave individual servings until hot. If the casserole seems a bit thick after chilling, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. It’s flavorful, juicy, and cuts down on prep time.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Can I substitute frozen spinach for fresh?
Definitely. Just thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from frozen spinach to avoid a watery casserole. About half the weight of fresh spinach works well because it’s already cooked down.
Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
Yes, Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is naturally low in carbs, making it perfect for keto or gluten-free diets. It’s high in protein and full of healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can swap in extra sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter version. The casserole will still be delicious and creamy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts comforting and impressive, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a must-try. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for company, and always a guaranteed hit. Give it a go and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen!
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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, cheesy baked dish perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free dinner. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses, it offers a rich and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Oils and Spices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or comparable baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach is wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Mix Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Fold the cooked chicken and the sautéed spinach with garlic into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to set slightly before serving. This allows for easier slicing and enhanced flavor melding.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen spinach as an alternative; just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or incorporate cooked bacon bits into the mixture.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or served over rice or pasta for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
