Name: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both homey and irresistibly creamy, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole should be at the top of your list. It’s a comforting blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a lusciously cheesy sauce, all tucked under a buttery, crunchy topping that bakes to golden perfection. The flavors all meld together in the oven, making every scoop a little symphony of savory, gooey, and just the right amount of crisp. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal-prepping ahead of a busy week, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make magic happen in your oven. Every item on this list serves a purpose, from adding creaminess and flavor to providing that essential cheesy pull or golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need to create casserole bliss:

Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze, but any cooked chicken will work beautifully for succulent texture.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle is all you need to sauté and build those savory foundation flavors.
Onion: Diced for a subtle sweetness that blends into the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings a lovely aromatic punch that complements both the chicken and spinach.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a boost of nutrition while effortlessly wilting into the creamy base.
Cream of chicken soup: This canned soup creates the lush, velvety core that makes the casserole so satisfying.
Sour cream: Adds tang and richness, making the sauce extra dreamy.
Milk: Loosens up the sauce for a creamy, pourable consistency.
Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs that enhance the savory profile.
Paprika: Provides warmth and a hint of smokiness without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey strings that make each serving absolutely irresistible.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends salty depth and sharpness to the creamy sauce.
Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs: Adds that must-have crispy, buttery topping.
Melted butter: Mixed with crumbs to ensure every bite is golden and flavorful.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of oil or nonstick spray so your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole lifts out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Spinach

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and baby spinach, and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach will wilt down, creating a lovely base packed with flavor and color.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and silky, ready to envelop the chicken and veggies in irresistible creaminess.

Step 4: Mix it All Together

Stir the cooked shredded chicken into the bowl with your creamy mixture. Add the sautéed spinach, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the grated Parmesan. Mix gently but thoroughly so that every forkful delivers bits of cheesy, chicken-packed goodness.

Step 5: Layer and Top

Scoop the chicken and spinach filling into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. In a smaller bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over your casserole, then finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese for that can’t-resist cheesy crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole will bubble around the edges and the top should turn gorgeously golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes so everything sets up before serving your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole hot and fresh from the oven.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped parsley right after baking take your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole from comforting to spectacular. For an added burst of freshness, a light squeeze of lemon can brighten all those creamy, savory notes.

Side Dishes

While this casserole is perfectly filling on its own, it pairs delightfully with fluffy white rice, a simple buttered pasta, or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A crisp, green salad dressed with a zingy vinaigrette will cut through the richness and balance the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins create a restaurant-style presentation that makes everyone feel special. If you have a brunch or potluck, scoop the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole onto toasted baguette slices or stuff it into halved bell peppers before baking the final few minutes for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making a delicious, comforting lunch the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the most satisfying bite, reheat your leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the top is crispy again (typically about 15 to 20 minutes). The microwave also works in a pinch, but the oven preserves that delightful golden crust.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the pan, so your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole isn’t watery.

What type Main Course, Casserole

Both rotisserie and leftover cooked chicken are ideal, as they’re already tender and easy to shred. Even poached or roasted chicken breasts can be used—this recipe is very forgiving!

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the topping step and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the crumb topping and cheese, then bake as directed (adding a few extra minutes if going straight from the fridge).

Is there a way to lighten up this casserole?

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use low-fat cheese. You can also opt for milk or plant-based milk with a lower fat content.

How do I keep the topping crispy?

To retain that delicious crunch, bake the casserole uncovered. If leftovers lose their crispiness, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to revive the topping’s texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a bubbling, homemade Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with people you love. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple to make, bursting with flavor, and always a guaranteed hit. I hope this recipe inspires you to gather around the table and create new memories with every creamy, cheesy bite!

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cheese sauce topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Onion and Spinach: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and spinach, cooking until wilted.
Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan. Transfer to baking dish.
Add Topping: Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Top with remaining mozzarella.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.