Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
There’s something irresistible about a bubbling, creamy casserole emerging fresh from the oven, and this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is pure comfort on a plate. Tender bites of chicken mingle with velvety cream cheese and sweet spinach, all tucked under a golden, cheesy topping. It’s satisfyingly rich without being heavy, easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to share at gatherings. Each forkful offers the perfect balance of savory flavor, luscious texture, and nostalgic vibes. If you love a dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’re about to fall head over heels for this dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is that it’s built on a handful of classic, powerhouse ingredients—nothing fancy, just the kind of fridge and pantry staples that work together in the most delicious way. Each one brings something essential, whether it’s flavor, creaminess, or that all-important crispy top.
- Cooked chicken: Use shredded or cubed chicken for optimal texture; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Frozen spinach: Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture so your casserole isn’t watery.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates the most luxurious, creamy base for the casserole.
- Sour cream: Adds a lovely tang that balances the richness of the dish.
- Mayonnaise: A little bit for an extra creamy, cohesive filling.
- Garlic powder: Brings depth and savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: A subtle base note that rounds out the taste beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning all the layers—taste as you go!
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the creamy components.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top and inside for cheesy pulls in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a savory and slightly nutty finish on top.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): Sprinkle on for an irresistibly buttery crunch.
- Melted butter (if using topping): Helps the cracker or breadcrumb topping turn a perfect golden brown.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size). Greasing ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is much easier later. This step sets the stage for those beautiful, baked-edge bits everyone fights over!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is super smooth—think of this as the layer that holds all the goodness together. Blending well ensures every bite is luxuriously creamy and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese
Gently fold in your cooked chicken, thawed and drained spinach (really squeeze out the water!), and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mixing these at this stage creates a unified filling where each ingredient shines—no dry bites or clumps of spinach, just a perfect medley.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your creamy mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every corner bubbles up beautifully. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan over the top for that signature golden, melty layer.
Step 5: Make the Topping (Optional but Delicious)
If you want that irresistible, buttery crunch, combine your crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer. It’s this final flourish that elevates the entire Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese to special occasion status.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cheese should be gooey and golden, with the topping (if using) crisp and bubbling. Pull it out when it’s beautiful, then let it cool a few minutes before digging in—this helps everything set up for perfect slices.
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives does wonders for color and flavor, brightening up the rich, creamy dish. If you love a little extra punch, a dusting of red pepper flakes or a crack of black pepper over the top just before serving looks gorgeous and adds just the right amount of kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with a bright, crisp salad or something simple like steamed green beans. For a heartier meal, serve alongside buttery rice, fluffy quinoa, or warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or scoop it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a truly showstopping presentation. You could even use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or baked potatoes—flexibility is part of its charm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It holds up well, and the flavors deepen as they meld together, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish (hold the topping until you’re ready to bake), wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, add your topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover the entire casserole dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. If the topping softens in the fridge, a few minutes under the broiler will bring back its crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain off any liquid before using in the casserole.
What’s the best type Main Course
Leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken all work beautifully. The key is that it’s already cooked and cut or shredded into bite-size pieces so it can evenly blend with the creamy filling.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers for the topping (or skip the topping entirely), and double-check that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I lighten this recipe?
Definitely. Go for reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, or mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter version. You can also use a bit less cheese overall without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
What can I do if my casserole seems watery?
Wateriness usually comes from spinach that hasn’t been drained well enough. Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible, and you’ll have a perfectly creamy result every time!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a true winner. It’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds—and the leftovers just get better with time. Give it a try, and let this creamy classic become a staple in your comfort food rotation!
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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese that’s easy to make and bursting with creamy flavors. A perfect low-carb meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in chicken, spinach, and half of the mozzarella.
- Layer and Bake: Spread the mixture in the dish, top with remaining cheeses. Optionally, add topping mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Enhance with sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
