Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

The Creamiest Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a delightful chicken and spinach casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Families adore this hearty meal packed with rich, satisfying flavors.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among vibrant green spinach create a mouthwatering combination.

Cheesy layers meld together, promising a truly memorable dining experience.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, offering both taste and wholesome goodness.

Minimal prep work means you can have this delectable dish ready in no time.

Savor every creamy, delicious bite and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole: Why It’s Delicious

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This ranch chicken delivers rich, creamy satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners that feel like a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Master Simple Technique: Novice cooks can confidently create a delicious dish by following straightforward steps, learning pan-searing and sauce-making skills without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The combination of ranch seasoning and creamy sauce creates a universally appealing meal that satisfies both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
  • Versatile Meal Transformer: Easily pair with rice, pasta, or vegetables, allowing you to customize the dish based on family preferences or available ingredients in your kitchen.

What Goes Into Chicken And Spinach Casserole

For the Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: The main protein source that provides hearty substance to the casserole.
For the Dairy:
  • Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Ingredients that create a rich and creamy texture for the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that add depth of flavor and provide a melty, golden topping.
For the Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Fresh Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color and earthy flavor to the casserole.
  • Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor base for the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper, Dried Basil: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the casserole.
For the Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

Stepwise Chicken And Spinach Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready and waiting.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Drizzle olive oil into a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their fragrant magic until softened and wonderfully aromatic.

Step 3: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Drop fresh spinach into the skillet and stir gently.

Watch as the vibrant green leaves soften and collapse into a tender, dark green mass.

Step 4: Mix Creamy Chicken Filling

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Cooked spinach

Step 5: Season The Mixture

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and dried basil.

Stir everything together until ingredients are beautifully blended and evenly distributed.

Step 6: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the creamy mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling enticingly.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together before serving up this irresistible comfort dish.

Smart Tips for Chicken And Spinach Casserole

  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture and adds subtle tropical flavor.
  • Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or white beans to the chicken mixture for extra nutritional boost.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cheese and controlling salt quantities while maintaining delicious taste profile.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand and store in refrigerator to streamline cooking process and save time during busy weeknights.
  • Choose rotisserie chicken for quicker assembly and deeper flavor complexity without additional cooking steps.

Spinach Casserole: Ways to Make It Unique

  • Mediterranean Chicken Spinach Bake: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, add diced sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Mix in diced green chiles, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and heat.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute chicken with riced cauliflower, use cream cheese instead of heavy cream, and add extra herbs like thyme for rich, comforting taste.
  • Protein-Packed Quinoa Casserole: Replace chicken with cooked quinoa, incorporate Greek yogurt for creaminess, and mix in roasted red peppers for vibrant color and nutrition.

Present Chicken And Spinach Casserole for Any Meal

  • Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this creamy casserole alongside fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. The starch helps balance the rich, creamy texture and adds a comforting element to the meal.
  • Weekend Brunch Delight: Transform leftovers into a brunch masterpiece by topping the casserole with sunny-side-up eggs. The runny yolks blend perfectly with the creamy chicken and spinach, creating an indulgent morning treat that feels sophisticated yet simple.
  • Low-Carb Healthy Plate: For a lighter option, serve the casserole over a bed of roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles. This variation reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's luxurious flavor profile and keeping the meal nutritious and satisfying.
  • Quick Party Appetizer Twist

Store Chicken And Spinach Casserole for Next Day

  • Store the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of cream to maintain moisture if needed.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain the frozen spinach completely before adding it to the skillet. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to eat, simply bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

  • How can I make this dish lower in calories?

To reduce calories, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, opt for reduced-fat cheeses, and use skinless chicken breast. You can also add more vegetables to increase nutritional value.

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Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty chicken and spinach casserole combines comforting layers of tender protein with rich, creamy sauce. Home cooks can savor this satisfying meal that delivers classic American comfort on a single plate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (475 ml) chicken breast, shredded
  • 3 cups (710 ml) spinach, fresh
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cream, heavy
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) basil, dried

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 375F (190C), ensuring an even heating environment for the casserole.
  2. Pour olive oil into a skillet over medium heat, introducing diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until aromatics release their fragrant essence and onions turn translucent.
  3. Gently add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, allowing them to wilt and reduce in volume while absorbing the subtle flavors of onions and garlic.
  4. In a spacious mixing bowl, merge shredded chicken, velvety heavy cream, tangy sour cream, aged Parmesan, melty mozzarella, and the freshly cooked spinach mixture.
  5. Enhance the creamy blend with a balanced sprinkle of salt, cracked black pepper, and dried basil. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients to create a harmonious filling.
  6. Lightly grease a baking dish, then carefully transfer the creamy chicken and spinach mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape of deliciousness.
  8. Remove from oven and permit the casserole to rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to settle before serving a comforting, creamy dish.

Notes

  • Boost protein content by adding quinoa or white beans to the casserole for extra nutrition and texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by ensuring all cheese and cream products are certified gluten-free and skip any potential wheat-based thickeners.
  • Enhance vegetable content by mixing in roasted bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutritional value.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 315 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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