If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, then this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It combines tender shredded chicken with fresh spinach and a luscious blend of cheeses and creamy sauces that bake together into a golden masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this casserole delivers warmth, richness, and a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, readily available ingredients is key to making this dish both approachable and mouthwateringly delicious. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the chicken brings protein, spinach adds a fresh green pop, and the cheeses create that irresistible creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups shredded): Rotisserie chicken works wonders for convenience and flavor.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups chopped): Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthy taste to brighten the dish.
- Small onion (1 diced): Provides a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves minced): Essential for that warm depth and inviting aroma.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle fruity note.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10 ounces): The creamy backbone that binds everything together.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Enhances both creaminess and tang.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds richness and moisture without overpowering.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy texture.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Brings a slightly nutty, savory punch.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses herbal notes that complement poultry and spinach.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of smoky color and warmth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): To perfectly season and balance flavors.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (1 cup): Creates a golden, crispy topping for delightful crunch.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the topping achieve that irresistible, buttery crispness.
- Fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Sauté the Veggies
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about three minutes. Next, add minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking for another two minutes until the spinach wilts down nicely. This step unlocks the flavors and ensures the veggies soften perfectly to meld with the creamy mixture.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once these ingredients are well mixed, fold in that fragrant spinach and onion mixture you just sautéed. This creates a harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory components that make the casserole irresistibly tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble and Add the Crunchy Topping
Spread the creamy chicken and spinach mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. For the perfect finishing touch, combine the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs if you prefer) with the melted butter in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the casserole to create a golden, crispy crust that contrasts delightfully with the creamy filling below.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and beautifully golden on top. The baking process melds all flavors, melts the cheeses into a creamy sauce, and crisps up the buttery topping. When done, allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving to let everything settle and intensify in flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. This simple garnish adds a lovely pop of green color and a subtle brightness that balances the casserole’s richness perfectly. You can also add a pinch of extra Parmesan cheese for a little extra savory flair if you like.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like carrots and asparagus. These sides add freshness and crunch, ensuring your meal feels complete, balanced, and vibrant. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make fantastic accompaniments to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at the table. Alternatively, you can layer it over cooked pasta or mashed potatoes to transform it into an entirely new dish. With its beautiful golden crust and inviting aroma, this casserole makes a stunning centerpiece no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Leftovers tend to develop even deeper flavors, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if necessary until it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftover portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave single servings for about 2-3 minutes. To keep the topping crisp, reheating in the oven is preferable when possible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent your casserole from becoming watery.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
While this recipe relies on cheese and creamy ingredients for its distinct flavor and texture, you could experiment with dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives, though it will alter the dish’s traditional taste.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
Homemade white sauce or a blend of chicken broth and cream can work as alternatives if you prefer avoiding canned soups. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the casserole together.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be delicious additions. Just sauté them along with the onion and spinach to keep the dish balanced and flavorful.
How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
Swap the topping of crushed crackers for crushed pork rinds or omit the topping entirely. This still gives you a satisfying texture contrast while cutting down on carbs.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe has quickly earned a special place in my heart as one of those go-to dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy, flexible, and packed with flavor and texture in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner to share with loved ones over and over again.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a comforting and delicious main course perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheeses, it is topped with a buttery cracker crust baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works well)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Protein and Dairy
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté onions and spinach: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking together until the spinach is wilted, about 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix the casserole filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed spinach and onion mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the chicken and spinach mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Prepare the topping and bake: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and baked when ready, making it perfect for meal prep.
- For a lower-carb option, substitute the crushed crackers with pork rind crumbs.
- Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced and complete meal.
