Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

 

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and totally satisfying, this Spinach Chicken Casserole is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken with fresh spinach and a luscious blend of cream cheese and mozzarella, this dish delivers a creamy texture and cheesy richness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck favorite, the Spinach Chicken Casserole brings warmth and homey goodness to your table in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials for this Spinach Chicken Casserole is a breeze, and each ingredient plays a key role in balancing flavors, textures, and colors. From creamy cheeses to nutritious spinach and tender chicken, these components come together beautifully for a hearty casserole everyone will love.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using rotisserie chicken speeds up prep and adds wonderful flavor.
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Opt for organic for the best taste and vibrant color.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Softening makes mixing easier and ensures a silky base.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives extra richness and meltiness.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess without overpowering the dish.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Choose low-sodium to control salt levels and keep it light.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch for those who enjoy a mild kick.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping: Panko breadcrumbs ensure irresistible crunch on top.

How to Make Spinach Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly heated by the time your casserole is ready to bake. Meanwhile, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it—this prevents sticking and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy—this rich base is what makes the casserole irresistibly luscious and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Spinach

Fold in the shredded chicken and chopped spinach gently so every piece is coated with that creamy mixture. This step ensures every scoop has the perfect balance of protein and greens, weaving delicious textures together seamlessly.

Step 4: Transfer and Spread the Mixture

Pour the creamy chicken and spinach combo into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spatula to smooth it out evenly; this creates a neat surface that will bake uniformly and look as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Top with Mozzarella Cheese and Breadcrumbs

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously all over the top—this blanket of melty cheese is a highlight of the Spinach Chicken Casserole. Follow that with an even layer of panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers below.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The dish should be hot and bubbly, with those breadcrumbs turning a gorgeous golden brown. This baking time ensures the flavors meld perfectly and the texture is just right.

Step 7: Let It Cool Slightly

Once out of the oven, give your casserole about 5 minutes to rest. This short cooling period helps thicken the cheesy sauce so it’s easy to serve and delivers that perfect scoopable consistency everyone loves.

How to Serve Spinach Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Add a fresh touch by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top. A light dusting of grated Parmesan brings an extra pop of flavor, while a drizzle of a good-quality olive oil can elevate the dish with subtle richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a light and crisp side salad to balance the creamy richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots also complement the flavors beautifully, adding both color and nutrients to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this Spinach Chicken Casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, scoop onto warm toasted bread or into soft pita pockets for a deliciously creative handheld meal that’s perfect for lunches or casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Spinach Chicken Casserole, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to warm up and delight you with no extra effort.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavors.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the casserole into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent drying out. For a quicker option, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly without sacrificing creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to keep your casserole from becoming too watery.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, the Spinach Chicken Casserole makes a fantastic meal prep option since it stores well and reheats beautifully without losing its creamy texture.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Neufchâtel cheese or mascarpone are delightful substitutes that offer a similar creaminess and taste profile, but cream cheese remains the classic choice for that rich, tangy base.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative, and adjust the broth accordingly to maintain that savory depth of flavor.

Do I need to use chicken broth?

While chicken broth adds subtle savory notes, you can substitute vegetable broth or even water if needed, though it may slightly reduce the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole filled with tender chicken and fresh spinach. This Spinach Chicken Casserole is one of those dishes that feels like a big hug on a plate—simple to make yet irresistibly delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch how it quickly becomes a much-loved favorite in your home too!

 

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