This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce all baked to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with a nice balance of cheesy goodness and hearty greens.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and then just pop in the oven. The creamy sauce keeps everything moist and delicious, and the spinach adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that I always appreciate. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone even noticing!
My favorite way to serve this is with a simple side of garlic bread or a crisp salad to keep things light. It’s also perfect for leftovers, as the flavors deepen and taste even better the next day. Whenever I make this casserole, it feels like the whole family is gathering around the table, smiling and digging in for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is great for a lean protein boost. Rotisserie chicken works well if you want to save time, or shredded leftover chicken is perfect here.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice flavor and texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach is an easy swap—just thaw and drain it well to avoid watery casserole.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives you that melty, gooey feel, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty kick. Feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone or Monterey Jack if needed.
Creamy Mixture: The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Greek yogurt could be a lighter substitute for sour cream if you like.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning is a simple way to add basil, oregano, and thyme notes. Fresh herbs can boost flavor too if you have them on hand.
How Can I Prevent the Casserole from Being Watery?
Watery casseroles happen mostly from too much moisture in the spinach or cream mixture. Here’s what helps:
- If using fresh spinach, sauté it first and press out extra water with a clean towel or paper towels.
- For frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze tightly to remove liquid before adding.
- Don’t add excess liquid to the creamy mix; use the amounts in the recipe for best results.
- Let the casserole rest when baked; this helps the sauce thicken up and sets the layers.
Following these tips keeps your casserole creamy without being soggy or runny.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Large skillet – great for sautéing spinach and garlic quickly.
- Mixing bowl – to combine all your creamy ingredients smoothly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you stir without scratching your pans.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked turkey or shredded rotisserie pork – adds new flavors and uses leftovers well.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts – these add earthiness and texture.
- Try swapping mozzarella for fontina or gouda – they melt well and bring different tastes.
- Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika – for a mild kick and smoky depth.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 6 cups fresh spinach (or 1 lb frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing spinach if using fresh)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Time Needed
You will need about 10 minutes to prepare ingredients and sauté the spinach, plus 25-30 minutes baking time. Allow an additional 5 minutes to rest the casserole before serving. Total time: approximately 40-45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spinach:
If using fresh spinach, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, roughly 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole. If you use frozen spinach, be sure it’s fully thawed and well drained.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked chicken, cooked spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese into the creamy mixture. Stir gently to blend everything evenly.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set.
Enjoy your creamy chicken and spinach casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and squeeze out all excess water from the frozen spinach before adding it to the casserole to prevent it from becoming watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the refrigerator.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses?
Absolutely! Mozzarella and Parmesan give great texture and flavor, but you can try fontina, provolone, or gouda for a different twist while maintaining that creamy melt.
