If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious dish, the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. This casserole brings together tender shredded chicken, vibrant spinach, and creamy cheeses in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and luscious textures, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests with minimal effort. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and straightforward to prepare, so get ready to add this gem to your recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to making this casserole shine. Each component not only brings its own distinct flavor but also enhances the texture and color, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for juicy, flavorful meat.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy note and vibrant color.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings luxurious creaminess and helps bind everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and richness, balancing the cheesy elements perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey texture everyone loves.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the casserole’s taste profile.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onion and garlic to perfection.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without overpowering.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic notes for a fuller, richer taste.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that brightens the flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, herbal finish for garnish or mixing in.
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional): Adds extra texture and heartiness if you want a more filling casserole.
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for greasing): Keeps the casserole from sticking and adds a buttery finish.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch casserole dish with melted butter. This simple prep ensures your casserole won’t stick and gets a nice crust during baking.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This combination creates a flavorful aromatic base for your casserole.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté it until it wilts, about 3 to 4 minutes. The spinach will shrink considerably and marry perfectly with the onion and garlic. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside for the next step.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. This rich and creamy base will envelop all the ingredients and tie the casserole together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Spinach, and (Optional) Rice
Stir the shredded chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and cooked rice (if you decide to include it) into the creamy sauce. Mix everything until evenly combined so every bite gets that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the combined mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top. The cheese should be melted and slightly crisped, making it irresistible!
How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of extra grated Parmesan right before serving adds a lovely pop of color and flavor. You can also add a few red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick if that’s your vibe.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of steamed veggies like green beans or asparagus to add some crisp freshness and lighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of flair, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions or layer it in a glass baking dish so guests can admire all the creamy layers before diving in. Either way, it will feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes just as delicious cold or reheated, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover it tightly with foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, cool completely first, then wrap and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before sautéing to avoid a watery casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sour cream and cream cheese do not contain gluten, so always check labels if allergies are a concern.
Can I substitute other cheeses for mozzarella or Parmesan?
Definitely! Cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère can work well, giving you a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining a gooey texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and add more spinach or even cooked mushrooms or chickpeas for added protein and heartiness.
What can I serve this casserole with for a full meal?
Pair it with a fresh salad, some crusty bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal perfectly and add complementary textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a beloved old friend—reliable, comforting, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet night in, it offers the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and wholesome flavors that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try soon; your taste buds will thank you!
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Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and comforting Chicken and Spinach Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese for a rich, flavorful meal. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for added texture)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking and help create a golden crust.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding any burning.
- Cook spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the shredded cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, and optional cooked rice (if using) into the creamy base. Stir everything together until fully combined and evenly mixed.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating it is heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut but freshly cooked shredded chicken works equally well.
- The cooked rice is optional but adds nice texture and bulk to the casserole if desired.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley or omit if not available.
- For a lower-fat version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
