Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melty cheese, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your family’s cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups cooked pasta or rice (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 5: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Step 6: If using, fold in the cooked pasta or rice until evenly distributed.
- Step 7: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Substitute the cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder cheese option.
- Use cooked quinoa instead of pasta or rice for a protein boost.
- To make it lighter, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or reduce the cream cheese amount.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh before serving for best results.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Frozen spinach works well; just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking to prevent a watery casserole.
PrintCreamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
A creamy and comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole that combines tender cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and rich cream cheese for a deliciously cheesy baked dish. Perfectly seasoned and topped with shredded cheddar, this casserole is a warm, satisfying meal that can be served over cooked pasta or rice for added heartiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional
- 2 cups cooked pasta or rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté aromatics: In a medium skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook until the spinach is wilted and any excess moisture evaporates, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to distribute evenly.
- Season the mixture: Add salt, black pepper, and paprika to the mixture, stirring thoroughly to incorporate all the seasonings.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. For a complete meal, serve warm over cooked pasta or rice if desired.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- For a lower fat option, substitute light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauté step for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, drain any excess liquid from the cooked spinach before mixing.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Keywords: Chicken casserole, spinach casserole, cream cheese casserole, baked chicken dish, cheesy chicken spinach bake
