Get ready to fall head over heels for this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort dish layered with juicy chicken, vibrant spinach, and irresistibly melty cheese, all tucked beneath a buttery, golden cracker topping. What makes this recipe truly shine is how it transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty, bubbly bake in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an impressive potluck contribution, this creamy, savory casserole is about to become your go-to for weeknights or special occasions alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list to get big, bold flavors in this cozy casserole. Each ingredient brings either creaminess, richness, freshness, or that all-important crispy bite for the topping—nothing is wasted! Here’s what you’ll need (and why it matters).
- Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie works beautifully for quick prep and delivers deep flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Brightens the casserole and adds a nutrient boost; chop it for even distribution.
- Onion: Diced small to melt into the base, giving subtle sweetness as it cooks.
- Garlic: Three cloves, freshly minced, infuse the whole casserole with aromatic warmth.
- Olive oil: Softens the onion and garlic, forming a savory foundation for the filling.
- Cream of chicken soup: This classic shortcut creates the ultra-luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Sour cream: For unmistakable tang and silkiness in every bite.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and beautifully bonds the sauce together.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shreds up into gooey, stretchy pockets throughout the casserole.
- Parmesan cheese: A little goes a long way—nutty and savory, it deepens the overall flavor.
- Italian seasoning: This herby blend is the shortcut to that craveable, all-day-simmered taste.
- Paprika: Bring subtle color and a gentle warmth to the creamy base.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors forward—taste your filling before baking!
- Black pepper: Just enough to add a genteel kick and round out the creaminess.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs: For that signature golden crunch on top—use your favorite.
- Melted butter: Tossed with your crumbs, it creates an undeniably rich and crisp topping.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled, this fresh finish brightens every serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gently grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. Taking this small step upfront guarantees a nonstick surface and easy casserole serving. A little prep goes a long way in making sure your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is show-stopping from the first scoop!
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach Base
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it sizzle until it looks soft and translucent—about three minutes. Next, add the minced garlic for an aromatic burst, stirring in the chopped spinach. Cook just until the leaves wilt and become a deep, jewel-green, which takes about two minutes. This sautéed mix forms the fresh, flavorful heart of your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is blended. Now, fold in your warm spinach mixture—watch how everything comes together into a lusciously creamy, fragrant filling for your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the creamy chicken-spinach mixture into your prepped baking dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures every serving is packed with the same balance of savory chicken, tender spinach, and cheesy goodness. Smooth the surface with a spatula so the topping goes on perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine your crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing until all the crumbs are coated and look golden. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole, patting gently so it sticks. This buttery topping bakes to a gorgeous crisp, crowning your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbling center with a golden, crispy top. Once it’s ready, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly—this makes serving easier and intensifies the flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, shower the top with a flurry of fresh parsley. This simple touch brings color and a hint of freshness, making your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole irresistibly inviting on any table.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Garnishes
A bright sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives makes every serving pop, and a few extra shreds of Parmesan before serving can add a savory, salty hit. Don’t be shy—garnishing gives your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole an irresistible aroma and a beautiful, composed look.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal by pairing this hearty casserole with crisp, vibrant sides like a green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. For an even cozier meal, buttery garlic bread or fluffy rice on the side soak up all the luscious sauce. These easy additions make the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole a complete, satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the casserole dish! Try portioning the creamy filling into individual ramekins for dinner parties, or use it to fill halved bell peppers before baking for a festive, handheld version. However you choose, the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole shines in any setting—from weeknight plates to special celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole to cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole (either baked or unbaked) for convenient future meals. Wrap the assembled, unbaked dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer cooled portions to freezer containers. For best quality, use within three months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the topping crisps up again—about 20 minutes. If reheating individual portions, the microwave works in a pinch but add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works! Just thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding, so your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole stays thick and luscious.
Can I make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely—you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it goes into the oven chilled.
What protein substitutions work in this casserole?
Feel free to swap the chicken with cooked turkey or even diced ham for a delicious twist. The recipe’s creamy, cheesy base adapts well to whatever cooked protein you have on hand.
How can I make this recipe gluten free?
To make a gluten-free Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole, simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs in the topping. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free!
Can I add extra veggies to this casserole?
Definitely—try stirring in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of frozen peas for more color and nutrition. Just be sure to cook off any excess moisture so your casserole remains nice and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving true comfort, look no further than Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. It’s soul-warming, easy to make, and completely customizable. I hope you love this family-friendly classic as much as I do—the next time you need an unforgettable dinner, give this casserole a try!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. This easy-to-make dish is a perfect choice for a satisfying family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and spinach, cooking until wilted.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheeses, seasonings, and spinach mixture.
- Layer and Bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Combine crushed crackers with butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked later.
- For a lower-carb option, use pork rind crumbs instead of crackers.
- Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
