Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
If you’re craving cozy comfort in a dish that comes together with ease, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is the answer to your dinner dreams. Every bite is creamy, savory, and loaded with tender chicken, velvety spinach, and gooey cheese—all nestled in a luscious cream cheese base that’s utterly irresistible. This casserole delivers on taste, simplicity, and versatility, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights, casual potlucks, or whenever you want to treat your friends and family to something that feels special without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredient list—each one plays a starring role, making the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese taste so much more than the sum of its parts. From juicy cooked chicken to creamy cheese and fresh spinach, every component adds flavor, richness, or a pop of color to the final bake!
- Cooked chicken: Use shredded or cubed; rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze and adds built-in flavor.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need for sautéing and bringing out the sweetness in the onions and garlic.
- Onion: Diced small for a subtle savory undertone that deepens in the oven.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the casserole an aromatic lift that no powdered version can match.
- Fresh baby spinach: Cooking it down tames the greens while adding subtle earthiness—and a gorgeous green color.
- Cream cheese: Softened to mix effortlessly into the filling, making the sauce extra creamy and rich.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and a little lightness, balancing out the richness of the other cheeses.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully throughout the casserole, pulling everything together with gooey goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty, savory depth and enhances the overall cheesiness.
- Garlic powder: Lends an extra layer of flavor to the creamy filling—just a hint, so nothing gets lost.
- Onion powder: A dash rounds out the taste without overpowering the fresh onion already in the mix.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste—these basics tie all the flavors into a harmonious blend.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For the bubbly, golden crown that makes this casserole look as amazing as it tastes.
- Optional: crushed crackers or breadcrumbs: Sprinkle on top for a satisfyingly crispy finish—totally optional but super delicious.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing either a 9×9-inch or a similar-sized casserole dish. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and gives you a perfect golden crust around the edges.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute—your kitchen will smell incredible at this point! Next, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, which takes just a couple of minutes. Once everything’s cooked, remove the skillet from the heat so you don’t overcook the spinach.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine your softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Mixing until smooth at this step ensures the filling is decadently creamy and evenly seasoned. Stir in the cooked chicken and your spinach mixture. Give everything a gentle fold to make sure it’s beautifully combined—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Layer and Top
Transfer the entire filling into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so every portion bakes to perfection. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and if you’re feeling extra festive, add some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish. This step makes the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese truly irresistible to look at and to eat!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the top to become hot, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes after you take it out—that little pause makes it easier to slice and allows all the flavors to settle together in every bite.
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, a pinch of extra Parmesan, or a few sliced green onions over the top just before serving. These garnishes add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that lifts each bite. Even a few twists of cracked black pepper can make the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese look and taste extra special.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with an easy green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even buttered noodles. If you want to keep things simple, warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every creamy bite—it’s comfort food that invites casual, joyous eating with friends and family.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, bake the mixture in individual ramekins to create personal servings—ideal for dinner parties. You can also use mini cocottes or muffin tins for bite-sized portions, turning the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese into an eye-catching appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Storing leftovers couldn’t be easier. Just let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to provide delicious leftovers or quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is an excellent candidate for freezing. Once completely cooled, cover your dish tightly with both plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a homemade comfort food fix, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole (or individual servings) in an oven set to 350°F, covered loosely with foil to keep it from drying out. Warm it through until it’s hot and bubbly—about 15 to 20 minutes for a whole casserole, or 5 to 8 minutes for single portions. The creamy texture and cheesy topping hold up beautifully, so it tastes just as good the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a time-saving shortcut that adds incredible flavor and keeps the dish ultra moist. Just shred or cube it and mix it right in.
How can I make this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese gluten-free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, simply skip the cracker or breadcrumb topping or use a certified gluten-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!
Can I substitute frozen spinach for fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach is a great swap when fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
What can I do if I want a lighter version?
You can use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream to lighten things up a bit, and skip the crispy topping if you’re watching your carbs. It’s still rich and satisfying!
Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy cheese sauce and familiar flavors make it a hit even with picky eaters. You can even sneak in extra veggies—like finely chopped bell pepper or mushrooms—if your family’s feeling adventurous.
Final Thoughts
Your next cozy dinner could be just 45 minutes away—so why not treat yourself and loved ones to the comforting flavors of Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese? I can’t wait for you to experience how simple, satisfying, and joy-filled this dish really is. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy forkful!
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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Packed with protein and cheesy goodness, it’s a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Optional Topping:
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar casserole dish.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add cooked chicken and spinach mixture.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish, top with cheddar cheese and optional topping. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh.
- For a lower-carb option, skip the breadcrumb topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
