Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Sometimes, the best comfort food is something warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. If you’re in the mood for a dish that combines rich, savory chicken with a silky, cheesy sauce and plenty of fresh spinach, then this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is about to become your new favorite. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out—perfect for cozy nights or when you need something hearty and satisfying. Trust me, every bite of this creamy, cheesy goodness will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

This casserole is more than just another dinner—it’s a complete, crowd-pleasing meal that combines tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce all in one dish. Here’s why it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to:

One-Pot Wonder

This casserole is as easy to make as it is delicious. All you need is one baking dish, a handful of simple ingredients, and a little bit of time. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something filling without a lot of fuss.

Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist

Chicken and spinach are a match made in heaven, and with the creamy sauce, you get all the comfort without it being overly heavy. Plus, spinach adds a burst of nutrition and color, making this casserole a well-rounded dish.

Kid-Friendly

Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are a hit with kids (and adults), while the spinach gets perfectly melded in with the flavors, so they won’t even realize how healthy it is.

Customizable

This casserole is incredibly versatile. You can swap the chicken for turkey, add in some extra veggies, or even switch up the cheese for something you love. Want it a bit spicier? Throw in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Leftovers for Days

This casserole makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or heat it up for an easy dinner. It holds up well in the fridge, and the flavors only get better as it sits!

Ingredients

Chicken Breast

Tender, juicy chicken breast is the star of the show here. It provides a hearty base that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and spinach.

Fresh Spinach

Packed with nutrients and a mild flavor, spinach blends seamlessly into this casserole. It wilts down to nothing, adding a silky texture and vibrant green color.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is what gives this dish its velvety, rich texture. It helps create a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and spinach.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, comforting flavor to the casserole, and when it melts into the sauce, it creates that gooey, irresistible texture everyone loves.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a touch of tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar. It makes the sauce even more luxurious and smooth.

Garlic

Garlic brings all the flavors together with its aromatic punch, adding depth to the sauce and enhancing the savory profile of the casserole.

Onion Powder and Salt/Pepper

Simple seasonings like onion powder, salt, and pepper help bring out the natural flavors in the chicken and spinach while keeping the dish well-seasoned but not too overpowering.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach

While the chicken is cooking, add a little olive oil to the same skillet (use the leftover chicken drippings for extra flavor if you like!). Sauté the spinach until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. Set the spinach aside once it’s cooked.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add a pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and mix until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked chicken and sautéed spinach. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s done baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with some fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired, and enjoy this comforting, creamy chicken dish!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

With a Side Salad

Pair this casserole with a light and fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be perfect.

With Garlic Bread

Serve this casserole with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s the ultimate comfort food combination.

With Rice or Quinoa

For a more filling meal, serve the casserole on a bed of rice or quinoa. The grains absorb the creamy sauce and make the meal even heartier.

With Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, make a colorful and nutritious side dish that complements the flavors of the casserole beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Simply bake it when you’re ready to eat.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat. It may take 10-15 extra minutes to cook through.
• Add Protein: Want to add more protein? Toss in some cooked bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even some cooked sausage for extra flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?

A1: Yes! Frozen spinach works great here. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the casserole.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A2: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the casserole. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the dish.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can prep the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven!

Q4: Can I use a different cheese?

A4: Yes! If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even parmesan for a more complex flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish: rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy dinner for family and friends, this casserole checks all the boxes. With a simple list of ingredients and a little bit of love, you’ll have a meal that’s bound to impress. So grab your baking dish and get ready to enjoy this creamy, comforting dish tonight!

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