Craving a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up? Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a Creamy Chicken Dinner that blends tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a cheesy, creamy sauce for a spinach chicken bake perfect for any night. This healthy casserole is ideal for family dinners or meal prep, offering rich flavors with minimal effort. Let’s make this Chicken and Spinach Casserole and bring cozy goodness to your table!
Why You’ll Love Chicken and Spinach Casserole
- Comforting and Flavorful: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness.
- Quick to Prep: Ready to bake in just 15 minutes.
- Nutrient-Rich: Combines protein-packed chicken and fiber-filled spinach.
- Versatile: Great for weeknights, potlucks, or leftovers.
- Customizable: Easily adapts to low-carb or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients for Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy chicken casserole (serves 6):
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (300g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time for this spinach chicken bake.
- Spinach: Roughly chop fresh spinach; sauté lightly if concerned about moisture.
- Cream Cheese: Soften for smooth mixing in this cheesy chicken casserole.
- Sour Cream: Swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter healthy casserole.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan add gooey, golden appeal.
Directions for Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Let’s make this Chicken and Spinach Casserole—a cozy, flavorful dish!
Preheat and Prep
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, I combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp thyme, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes if using. I stir until smooth for a creamy base.
Add Chicken and Spinach
I fold in 2 cups shredded chicken, 3 cups chopped spinach, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan, mixing until well combined for this spinach chicken bake.
Assemble and Bake
I spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish, topping with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan. I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve
I let the casserole cool for 5 minutes to set, then garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve this cheesy chicken casserole warm.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40–45 minutes
- Servings: 6 (about 1 cup per serving)
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 25g protein, 25g fat, 2g fiber
Variations for Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Try these twists for your healthy casserole:
- Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli or mushrooms, inspired by LaylaCooks’ California Roll Cucumber Salad.
- Lightened Up: Use Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter spinach chicken bake.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Hearty Add-In: Mix in 1 cup cooked rice or pasta for a heartier dish.
- Low-Carb: Swap sour cream for cashew cream, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Beet Salad with Arugula.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a light pairing.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, I wrap the cooled casserole in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave in intervals for this cheesy chicken casserole.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve in the baking dish or portion onto plates for a cozy look.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley or chives for freshness.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a green salad or LaylaCooks’ Coconut Cooler for balance.
- Portion Size: 1 cup per person for a satisfying main dish.
- Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
FAQs About Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble this Chicken and Spinach Casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery healthy casserole.
Is it keto-friendly?
Use full-fat dairy and skip starches for a keto-friendly spinach chicken bake.
Can I skip sour cream?
Swap with Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a creamy chicken dinner alternative.
More Dinner Recipes
- Classic Moussaka: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Treat
- Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer
- Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Conclusion
Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for busy nights or cozy gatherings. This healthy casserole is easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. Whip it up, share with loved ones, and enjoy its cheesy, nutritious goodness!
Chicken & Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie or leftover
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme until smooth.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Fold in chicken, chopped spinach, 1 cup mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Mix well.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture into baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese before mixing to ensure a smooth base.
- Drain sautéed spinach well if used to avoid excess liquid.
- Add steamed broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more veggies.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; reheat before serving.
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