Name: Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced; 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

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If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy comfort food, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is about to become your new weeknight hero. Creamy, cheesy, loaded with tender chicken and vibrant spinach, it brings together everything we love about heartwarming casseroles in one dish. Whether you’re dreaming up a convenient family dinner or looking for a dish that rewrites the rules on leftovers, it’s hard to beat the ease and flavor packed into every bite of this crowd-pleaser.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe couldn’t be more effortless, but each one really matters. These staples join forces to create amazing creaminess, irresistible cheesiness, and just the right pop of green for a Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Chicken breast: Use cooked and shredded or diced chicken for maximum juiciness and ease—rotisserie chicken works wonders here!
Fresh spinach: Chopped spinach brings a world of color and a subtle earthy bite that lightens up every spoonful.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the key to that outrageously rich and silky texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: This classic melting cheese gives you that perfect stretchy cheese-pull and a mild, creamy flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds incredible savory depth and a finishing layer of cheesy nuttiness.
Sour cream: Sour cream lends a gentle tang and helps balance the richness of the cheese.
Chicken broth: A splash brings moisture and ties all the flavors together with a savory touch.
Diced onion: The sauteed onion builds a sweeter foundation of flavor you really don’t want to skip.
Minced garlic: A hint of garlic is all it takes to wake up the entire dish with aromatic depth.
Olive oil: Just enough for sautéing your veggies and layering in a little Mediterranean flair.
Italian seasoning: This simple seasoning adds an herby punch that sings through the creamy casserole.
Paprika: A pinch of paprika gives color and a subtle smoky note to round things out.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t hold back—the right amount of seasoning makes every ingredient shine!
Breadcrumbs (optional): For those who love a crispy, golden crown on top, these are the finishing touch.

How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Get Your Oven Hot and Ready

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your casserole bakes up bubbly and golden. While it warms up, take a moment to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze later.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics and Spinach

Grab your favorite skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, letting their aromas fill the kitchen as they soften—about three minutes. When everything is fragrant and tender, toss in the chopped spinach. Cook just until it’s wilted and glossy, which keeps its color bright and appealing.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, along with plenty of salt and pepper. Stir well to make sure the mixture is silky smooth—no lumps allowed! This creamy blend is the glue that will hold your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese together in the most mouthwatering way.

Step 4: Mix in the Chicken, Spinach, and Cheeses

Add your cooked chicken, the sautéed spinach mixture, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan right into that creamy base. Fold everything gently so each bite is loaded with chicken, greens, and cheesy goodness. You should see beautiful swirls of green and white—always a good sign!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. If you’re using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them generously on top for that irresistible crunch. Slide the dish into your hot oven (no need to cover it) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until everything is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Let your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese cool for a few minutes—it’ll be very hot and this helps it set before serving.

How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a light dusting of paprika across the top for color.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve this casserole with a crisp, tangy green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re craving something heartier, warm garlic bread or fluffy rice mop up all that luscious sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancier occasion, scoop individual servings into ramekins before baking for beautiful personal casseroles. Or, spoon Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese over baked potatoes or lightly toasted bread for a rustic, comforting twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, just transfer them to an airtight container once cooled. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors develop even more as they sit, making each reheated bite extra delicious!

Freezing

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave (covered!) for a minute or two, or warm larger amounts in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to keep things luscious and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the mixture to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this casserole?

Poached, baked, or even roasted chicken all work well. Rotisserie chicken is a big time-saver and adds extra flavor—the key is that the chicken is tender and fully cooked before mixing into your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese.

How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Just skip the breadcrumbs on top or use a gluten-free version. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy dish for those with dietary restrictions.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with mushrooms, chopped bell pepper, or even steamed broccoli for added flavor, texture, and nutrition. Just make sure they’re cooked and drained well before folding them in.

Is it possible to assemble this ahead of time?

You can prepare the entire Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to a full day before baking. This makes dinnertime especially stress-free!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into this irresistible Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese! Whether you’re serving it up for a family get-together or stashing away portions for busy lunches, this recipe is guaranteed to bring big smiles with every creamy, cheesy forkful. Give it a try, and watch it become a regular favorite at your table!

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. A comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth

For the seasoning:

1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant and softened.
Cook the spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.