Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Imagine everything you love about creamy casseroles wrapped up in one easy, comforting dish—Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. Each bite balances tender chicken, a luscious cream cheese sauce, and vibrant spinach, all tucked under a blanket of melty, golden cheese. Whether you’re after a satisfying weeknight recipe or a cozy meal for guests, this casserole delivers flavor, color, and soul-warming satisfaction, right from your oven to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole has its role—whether it’s providing creaminess, zing, or a touch of color. With simple kitchen staples and a few pantry favorites, you’ll create a dish that’s layered with nuanced flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to bring out the very best in each one.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein; rotisserie chicken works beautifully for quick prep and a tender, flavorful foundation.
- Cream cheese (softened): Lends unmistakable richness and creates a velvety sauce you’ll crave.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and an irresistible creamy finish that lightens the cream cheese just enough.
- Mayonnaise: For extra silkiness and a subtle savory lift—don’t skip it, even if you aren’t a mayo fanatic!
- Garlic powder: Infuses the base with mellow, savory notes that echo throughout the casserole.
- Onion powder: Provides gentle sweetness and depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt: Brings all the ingredients into harmony without overpowering the subtle cream cheese flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and balances the richness of all that cheese.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick—feel free to adjust or omit to suit your crowd’s preferences.
- Frozen spinach (thawed and well-drained): Delivers color, nutrients, and a fresh, leafy contrast; squeezing out excess water is key for a creamy rather than watery casserole.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Perfect melt and mild flavor tie everything together in a gloriously creamy way.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives salty, umami backbone and a hint of richness you’ll notice in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping): Melts to a golden, bubbly blanket that makes each serving irresistibly tempting.
- Olive oil or butter (for greasing): Ensures easy release and beautiful edges—no sticking, just smooth serving.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, lightly grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter. This step sets the stage for easy serving later and gives the base a subtle flavor boost.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and (if you love a little heat) the crushed red pepper flakes. Take a moment to blend it until smooth—the goal is a seamless, fluffy mixture that will coat every morsel of chicken and spinach.
Step 3: Fold in Chicken, Spinach, and Cheeses
Next, add your drained spinach, shredded chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan to the creamy base. Gently fold everything together with a spatula. This step is about even distribution, so every spoonful is loaded with chicken, greens, and gooey cheese—no one gets left behind!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the chicken-spinach mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly to every corner. This helps it cook uniformly and ensures a picture-perfect casserole once baked.
Step 5: Top with Cheddar and Bake
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top, covering the filling edge to edge. Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is beautifully golden and melted.
Step 6: Rest, Serve, and Savor
When the baking time is up, remove your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This little pause allows everything to set, making serving easy and ensuring those dreamy layers stay intact when you dig in.
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese
Garnishes
Finish your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese with a light dusting of fresh parsley, snipped chives, or even a few extra Parmesan shavings. These simple touches add color and a burst of fresh flavor, elevating each serving from homey to just a bit fancy.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a side of cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal, or go classic with buttery mashed potatoes or warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. For a crisp contrast, toss together a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
You can spoon Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party, or serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for a comforting, communal feel. For brunch, consider placing a soft-poached egg on each serving—your guests will love the combination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers for quick, cozy meals all week long.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Stored like this, Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese will keep well for up to two months and is perfect for those nights when you need a comforting dinner with zero fuss.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat larger amounts in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot and bubbly throughout. If reheating from frozen, let the casserole thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté 10 ounces of fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before adding it to your casserole mixture. Fresh spinach brings a slightly different texture and extra brightness.
What kind of chicken works best for this casserole?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and flavor, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh will work. Just make sure it’s tender and seasoned to your liking before mixing it in.
Is Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just be sure that the mayonnaise and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
Can I prep Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few minutes to the cook time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What are some tasty add-ins for this casserole?
Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or even cooked pasta for extra heartiness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped sun-dried tomatoes can also give a new twist to the classic flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat, you can’t go wrong with Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. It’s creamy, comforting, and sure to become a new favorite at your table—just one bite and you’ll see why this recipe is a go-to for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. Give it a try and let those irresistible layers speak for themselves!
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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Packed with tender chicken, spinach, and a rich blend of cheeses, this casserole is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spinach Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or butter for greasing
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized casserole dish.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add spinach, chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese; mix well.
- Spread in dish: Spread the mixture in the casserole dish and top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
- This casserole freezes well. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
