Name: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; 3 cups fresh baby spinach (chopped); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

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If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that feels special but couldn’t be easier, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s bursting with tender chunks of chicken, bright green spinach, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a luscious homemade sauce. Whether you’re feeding your family or inviting friends over, this casserole invites everyone to gather around the table for something truly satisfying.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed that such a mouthwatering dish starts with a handful of everyday ingredients. Each component adds a layer of flavor and joy, coming together into a dreamy, creamy casserole you’ll crave again and again.

Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or diced): The essential protein; rotisserie chicken works beautifully for ease.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
Yellow onion (1 small, diced): For sweet and savory depth, becoming perfectly tender once sautéed.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings warm, aromatic flavor that infuses the sauce.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): The backbone of your creamy base, thickening the sauce just right.
Milk (1 1/2 cups): For the silky sauce texture that coats everything in comfort.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Deepens the savory flavors and keeps the casserole moist.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Creates a tangy, creamy richness that makes this dish unforgettable.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together and wakes up the tastebuds.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick that balances the creamy elements.
Dried thyme (1/4 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with a gentle herby note.
Nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Just a dash adds cozy, nutty complexity to the sauce.
Fresh baby spinach (3 cups, chopped): Will wilt into the mix for beautiful color and nutrition.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey perfection with every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Contributes salty umami and a golden topping.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): For those who adore a crunchy, golden finish on top.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and ensures every scoop of the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole serves up beautifully intact.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing a delicious fragrance that sets the flavor base of your casserole.

Step 3: Make a Silky Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously to coat everything in the pan. After about a minute, gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Keep the mixture smooth and watch as it transforms into a luxurious, thickened sauce over the next 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid lumps!

Step 4: Boost the Creaminess

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg. This is where the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole earns its name—the sauce becomes velvety and fragrant.

Step 5: Add Veggies and Protein

In goes the chopped spinach; stir until it just wilts, turning the sauce a lovely shade of green. Fold in your cooked chicken and half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring everything is evenly coated in that glorious creaminess.

Step 6: Assemble and Top

Pour the creamy, cheesy chicken and spinach mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for extra gooeyness, and if you’d like some crunch, scatter breadcrumbs over the top for a divine golden crust.

Step 7: Bake and Rest

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until it’s bubbling and golden on top. Once baked, let it rest for 5 minutes so it sets up perfectly, making slicing and serving a breeze.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Garnishes

Once your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole comes out of the oven, a final sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives over the top adds a colorful, herbaceous pop. If you love a touch of freshness, a squeeze of lemon over each serving brightens everything up.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with so many things! Try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, some roasted veggies for extra color, or a simple loaf of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a homey family meal, serve straight from the baking dish at the table. If you’re hosting friends, portion the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole into individual ramekins for a playful presentation. Or, scoop a generous helping over cooked pasta or fluffy rice for a hearty twist that stretches the meal even further.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole often develop even more after a night of mingling, making lunch the next day extra tasty.

Freezing

Need to plan ahead? You can freeze this casserole before baking or after it’s baked and cooled. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil if freezing the whole dish, or portion into freezer-safe containers for individual meals. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the entire casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and infuses the casserole with lovely flavor. Just shred or dice it and fold it into the sauce as directed.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment! Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend can all work. The mozzarella provides stretchiness while Parmesan adds depth, but mixing in your favorites is delicious.

Can I add pasta or rice to make it a full meal?

Definitely! Stir in cooked pasta or rice with the chicken and spinach for a more filling, all-in-one Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole that’s perfect for hungry families.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend in the sauce and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely on top.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach?

You can use frozen chopped spinach; just thaw and squeeze it well to remove excess water before adding it to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the kind of recipe that instantly feels like home whenever it’s on your table. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a new favorite—comforting, satisfying, and impossibly easy, it’s a dinnertime win you’ll want to make on repeat!

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting and flavorful Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
3 cups fresh baby spinach (chopped)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
Sauté the onion and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Make the sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg.
Add spinach and chicken: Stir in the chopped spinach until wilted, then fold in the cooked chicken, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.