Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

A magical culinary journey begins with this delectable creamy chicken and spinach casserole that promises comfort in every single bite.

Comfort foods rarely come more satisfying than this hearty dish.

Packed with tender chicken and vibrant spinach, each forkful delivers incredible flavor and nutrition.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over the entire casserole, tempting anyone nearby with its irresistible aroma.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this recipe answers that call perfectly.

Mediterranean influences shine through the carefully balanced ingredients, making you feel like a professional chef without extensive cooking skills.

Prepare to impress your dinner companions with this incredibly easy and mouth-watering creation that comes together in less than an hour.

Spinach Chicken Casserole That’s Creamy, Cheesy, And Always A Win

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: Effortless one-dish meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular dinner with minimal preparation time.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein and greens, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Adaptable recipe allows substituting chicken with turkey or using different cheeses, perfect for using pantry staples and reducing food waste.
• Meal Prep Magic: Easily prepared in advance, refrigerated, and baked later, making it an ideal solution for busy households seeking convenient, nutritious dinners.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole What You’ll Need

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the casserole, best when shredded from pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese topping that adds rich flavor and golden-brown texture.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for the sauce and helps create a silky roux.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Milk: Creates a creamy liquid base for the sauce, adding richness.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances sauce depth and adds savory flavor profile.

• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the casserole.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, sharp flavor to the sauce.
• Onion Powder: Adds subtle onion flavor without texture.
• Thyme: Herb that brings earthy and slightly minty undertones.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Rice, Pasta: Base layer that provides hearty foundation for the casserole.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for added freshness and color.

Spinach Chicken Casserole Instructions with Creamy Finish

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F.

This perfect temperature ensures your casserole will cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden top.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of oil or cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the buttery garlic mixture, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux.

This is your sauce’s secret weapon for thickness and richness.

• Milk
• Chicken broth

Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, continuing to whisk.

Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes until it reaches a velvety consistency.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Remove from heat once the seasonings are well incorporated.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole Base

Spread cooked rice or pasta evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add Protein and Greens

Layer shredded chicken and fresh spinach over the base, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 8: Pour and Cover

Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken and spinach, using a spatula to ensure even coverage.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Step 12: Final Touch

Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Creamy Spinach Casserole Advice for Weeknights

• Use quinoa or cauliflower rice as gluten-free alternatives to traditional rice or pasta for a lower-carb option.
• Thoroughly drain and pat spinach dry before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture that can make the dish soggy.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken or add extra protein like cooked chickpeas or white beans for a more substantial meal.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyere with mozzarella and Parmesan to create a more complex and rich flavor profile.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Store Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Serve with Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the casserole's creamy richness and complement its delicate herb flavors.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add refreshing crunch alongside the creamy chicken.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Provide warm, rustic bread to soak up extra sauce and enhance the meal's texture, offering a delightful contrast to the smooth casserole.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare lemon-herb roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add vibrant color, nutritional variety, and a subtle caramelized flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Chicken Spinach Casserole Makeover Ideas

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice or pasta with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a lactose-free option that preserves the rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, adding extra plant-based protein and creating a completely meat-free meal that keeps the casserole's creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can. Just thaw and drain the frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch when making the cream sauce. Use gluten-free rice or pasta as the base.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken breast all work perfectly. The key is to have tender, easy-to-shred chicken meat.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire 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 an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting “creamy chicken and spinach casserole” brings hearty Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables. Succulent chicken, tender spinach, and rich cheeses combine in one satisfying dish that promises warmth and deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1.5 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Base and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups cooked rice or pasta (optional, for a heartier dish)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 375°F, ensuring even temperature distribution.
2. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat, allowing it to become smooth and silky.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
5. Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking vigorously to create a golden, smooth roux.
6. Gradually stream milk and chicken broth into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and ensure a velvety consistency.
7. Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 3-4 minutes.
8. Season the sauce with onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
9. Create a foundational layer of cooked rice or pasta across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
10. Distribute shredded chicken uniformly over the base layer, followed by an even spread of fresh spinach.
11. Cascade the creamy sauce over the chicken and spinach, ensuring complete coverage.
12. Generously crown the casserole with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a tempting golden topping.
13. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven, baking until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling crust, roughly 25-30 minutes.
14. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld.
15. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.

Notes

• Swap white rice for cauliflower rice to make this dish low-carb and keto-friendly.
• Use gluten-free flour and pasta alternatives for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or tofu for vegetarian adaptation.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt quantities during preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg