The Ultimate Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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

Layers of tender chicken mingle with vibrant green spinach in a rich, velvety sauce.

Cheese melts perfectly between each delectable bite, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Nutritious ingredients combine effortlessly to deliver a satisfying meal everyone will request again and again.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Dive into a culinary experience that promises to become your new family favorite.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Pair the creamy chicken casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness and complement the dish's lemony notes.
• Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Serve warm, crusty artisan bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crispy texture to the meal.
• Prepare simple roasted asparagus or broccoli with olive oil and sea salt to add a nutritious and flavorful side that harmonizes with the casserole's creamy profile.

Storage Guidelines for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, then bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Is this casserole nutritious?

This dish provides a balanced meal with protein from chicken, calcium from cheeses, and vitamins from spinach. It offers a healthy combination of nutrients in one comforting recipe.

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken. Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded before adding to the casserole.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. If you don’t have those, simply use dried herbs you have on hand or adjust with fresh herbs.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Essentials

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine protein, grains, and greens in one delicious dish that comes together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for turkey, add different veggies, or experiment with alternative cheeses to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a creamy, cheesy casserole that satisfies both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Pack essential nutrients from chicken, spinach, and rice into a single baking dish, ensuring a balanced meal without multiple cooking steps.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that serves as the primary component of the casserole.
• Spinach: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color and earthy flavor to the dish.
• Rice: Fluffy cooked grain that provides a hearty base for the casserole.

• Cream Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy dairy products that contribute rich texture and savory depth to the recipe.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a silky sauce base.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that adds flavor and helps with sautéing.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavorful vegetables that provide a robust and aromatic foundation.
• Italian Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper: Dried herbs and spice that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates the dish's flavors.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that add a fresh and tangy note.
• Flour: Thickening agent used to create a smooth sauce consistency.

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and slide the rack to the upper third position. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Sauté The Flavor Base

• Chopped onion
• Sliced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper
• Salt

Cook and stir until onions turn soft and see-through, about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir constantly for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk, whisking to prevent lumps.

Let the mixture thicken for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Blend In The Creamy Goodness

Remove skillet from heat.

Stir in cream cheese until smooth and melted.

Step 5: Mix In The Star Ingredients

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked rice
• Drained spinach
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts.

Step 8: Golden Finish

Switch oven to broil.

Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve this comforting dish to eager diners.

Expert Tips for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a nutritious twist and different flavor profile.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded to tender, bite-sized pieces for optimal texture.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth to the casserole.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and controlling added salt quantities.
• Freeze individual portions for quick meal prep, storing in airtight containers up to 3 months.

Variations of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb, keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Turkey Alternative: Substitute chicken with ground turkey, add feta cheese, and mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired casserole.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Version: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternative, and incorporate nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like chickpeas or white beans, add extra spinach, and include nutritional yeast for a protein-packed vegetarian option.

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty creamy chicken and spinach casserole delivers comfort from Mediterranean kitchens. Generous layers of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 3 cups long-grain white rice (cooked)
• 2 packages (10 oz each) frozen chopped spinach (thawed and excess water squeezed out)
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 6 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsps dried italian seasoning
• 1 ¾ tsps kosher salt (divided)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
• cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Gather and organize all ingredients for efficient preparation of the creamy chicken and spinach casserole.
2. Position the oven rack in the upper third section and preheat to 350°F.
3. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
5. Sauté chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and salt until onions become soft and translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
6. Sprinkle flour into the skillet and cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
7. Slowly pour milk into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming, and cook until the mixture slightly thickens, about 3 minutes.
8. Blend cream cheese and remaining salt into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
9. Remove skillet from heat and fold in shredded chicken, cooked rice, drained spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest until ingredients are evenly distributed.
10. Spread the mixture uniformly in the prepared baking dish.
11. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the casserole.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until cheese begins to melt.
13. Switch oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.
14. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Measure and chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce stress in the kitchen.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy texture.
• Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese, and use plant-based milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
• Easily swap chicken with cooked turkey, tofu, or canned tuna for a versatile protein option that keeps the casserole exciting and adaptable.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 412 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg