A creamy, comforting casserole packed with tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and a rich cheese sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust for the perfect weeknight dinner. This dish is everything a home-cooked meal should be, simple, satisfying, and made with love. Whether you are cooking for your family or prepping ahead for busy evenings, this spinach chicken casserole fits right into your kitchen routine.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the perfect balance of creamy and hearty. First, it uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find. Second, it is a flexible base you can customize with your favorite vegetables or protein. Finally, it works well for meal prep, reheats beautifully, and freezes before baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this casserole has a purpose. Here’s what you need and why.
Cooked Chicken – 2 cups, shredded
This is the main protein. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even grilled breast. Turkey is also a great substitute if you have some from a holiday dinner.
Fresh Spinach – 2 cups, chopped
Spinach adds freshness and a healthy dose of vitamins. When it cooks down, it blends into the casserole, adding flavor and color without overwhelming the dish.
Cream Cheese – 8 oz, softened
Cream cheese gives the casserole its signature rich and creamy base. Soften it beforehand for easy mixing. You can replace it partially with ricotta for a lighter version.
Mozzarella Cheese – 1 cup, shredded
Half goes inside for a gooey texture and half on top for a golden finish. It melts beautifully and gives you those perfect cheese pulls.
Sour Cream – ½ cup
It adds tanginess and enhances the creamy texture without being too heavy.
Chicken Broth – ½ cup
Thins the cheese mixture slightly to create a pourable sauce while adding depth.
Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
Essential seasoning for savory depth. You can use fresh garlic if you prefer.
Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon
Brings balance to the garlic and highlights the creamy ingredients.
Salt and Pepper – to taste
Adjust to your preference. The chicken broth and cheese already contain some salt, so start light.
Red Pepper Flakes – ½ teaspoon, optional
Add if you like a bit of heat. It brings just enough spice without overpowering the other flavors.
Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
Create a crisp topping to contrast with the creamy filling. Panko can be used for extra crunch.
How to Make Spinach Chicken Casserole
This casserole comes together in a few easy steps. After preparing the sauce and sautéing the spinach, everything is combined, topped, and baked. It’s great for beginners and still impressive enough for guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach
In a medium skillet, heat a bit of oil and sauté garlic and onion for about 3 minutes. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, another 2 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Combine the Main Filling
Add shredded chicken, the cooked spinach mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese to the bowl. Stir everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Fill the Casserole Dish
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and scatter evenly over the casserole.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set for cleaner slices.
Helpful Tips
For the Best Texture
Drain spinach well to avoid excess moisture. Use full-fat dairy for the richest texture. Let the casserole rest after baking for easier slicing.
Make Ahead and Freezing
You can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to two days. It also freezes well before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 to 15 minutes to the cook time.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
A 9×13 baking dish, large mixing bowl, skillet, spatula, and a small bowl for the breadcrumb topping.
Details
Flavor: Creamy, savory, slightly tangy
Texture: Soft interior with a crisp golden top
Occasion: Family dinners, potlucks, meal prep
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Notes
Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Add one cup of mushrooms with the spinach for more umami flavor. Substitute ricotta for half of the cream cheese to reduce richness. For extra vegetables, try broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 8g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, this recipe works beautifully with turkey. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers from Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use ricotta cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Ricotta creates a lighter and slightly grainier texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Broccoli, chopped asparagus, or bell peppers work well and add extra nutrition.
What if I want a spicier casserole?
Add diced jalapeños to the filling or use pepper jack cheese to give the whole dish a bit more kick.
Storage Instructions
After baking, let the casserole cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake from frozen at 375°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
Related Recipes (With Internal Links)
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Spinach Chicken Casserole | Easy Comfort Food for Any Night
A creamy, comforting casserole packed with tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and a rich cheese sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. This easy dinner is family-friendly and perfect for leftovers or freezing ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
1 tablespoon melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion for 3 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Drain excess liquid.
3. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and broth until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add chicken, spinach mixture, and half the mozzarella. Mix until evenly combined.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
6. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms with spinach for extra flavor.
Substitute ricotta for half the cream cheese for a lighter texture.
Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen with an added 10–15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Conclusion
This spinach chicken casserole is more than just a meal, it’s comfort in a dish. It brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with healthy greens and tender chicken, all in one pan. Easy to customize, prep ahead, or freeze for later, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Make it your own and don’t forget to share how it turned out. Cooking from the heart has never been so delicious.