Creamy 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
Scale
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
