Name: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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The Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is pure comfort in a baking dish—a cozy, rich, and impossibly creamy main course perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want to wow the family with something special. Packed with tender shredded chicken, vibrant spinach, and a duo of melty mozzarella and Parmesan, all hugged in a velvety sauce and crowned with a buttery crunch, this dish brings big flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or rotisserie, every bite is layered with homey goodness, making this casserole a go-to for anyone craving hearty, homestyle flavor with a nutritious green twist.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate the simplicity of this ingredient list—each addition is here for a flavorful reason, from the creamy sauce to the irresistible crunchy topping. Gather these staples, and you’re well on your way to Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole success!

Cooked shredded chicken: Perfect for using up leftovers or picking up a rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience and flavor.
Olive oil: A dash for sautéing brings out the sweetness of the onions and enhances the overall richness.
Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, it adds savory depth and a slight sweetness that balances the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Three cloves pack just the right punch of aromatic goodness—don’t skip it!
Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and squeezed dry, this green powerhouse sneaks extra nutrition and lovely color into the dish.
Cream of chicken soup: The shortcut to velvety, savory sauce—makes the base luxuriously smooth.
Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess, lifting every bite.
Milk: Loosens the sauce to just the right pourable, clingy consistency.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that signature stretchy, melty texture that everyone craves in a casserole.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and bold; it brings out the best in both the chicken and spinach.
Salt: Essential for brightening and balancing all those rich flavors.
Black pepper: Every savory dish needs a touch, and this ties everything together.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle, lingering heat if you like things a bit zippy—but totally optional!
Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping): The golden, crisp topper that gives every forkful a little crunch.
Melted butter: Mixed in the topping, it creates the perfect toasted finish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and lets the casserole slide out in perfect, cheesy portions. Having your dish ready before assembling the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole makes it easy to transfer everything right to the oven.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and toss in the diced onion. Let it sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it’s soft and slightly translucent—the aroma is irresistible already! Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. This step builds a savory base for your casserole.

Step 3: Mix Together the Filling

Get out your biggest mixing bowl and combine the cooked shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, thawed and drained spinach, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Stir it all up until everything is evenly blended and the spinach is well distributed. This creamy mixture is the heart and soul of your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the blended filling into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Make sure every corner is filled so you get maximum creaminess and cheese pull in every piece.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until coated and clumpy. Sprinkle this golden mixture evenly over the casserole for a topping that will bake up light, crunchy, and totally irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your assembled Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. It’s done when the edges are bubbling and the topping is a deep golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes when it comes out of the oven—the creamy filling will set up just enough for you to serve generous, picture-perfect spoonfuls.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A pinch of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes add color and a bit more complexity to each bite. These finishing touches make the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole pop on the table and add a bright, fresh note.

Side Dishes

This cozy casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, light garlic bread, or even a scoop of fluffy white rice or buttered noodles. The creamy sauce soaks into anything it touches, turning simple sides into a crave-worthy meal. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside steamed or roasted veggies, letting the rich flavors of the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole shine through.

Creative Ways to Present

For fuss-free entertaining, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before topping and baking—everyone loves their own little dish of comfort! You can also serve neatly cut squares on a platter or scoop hearty portions into shallow bowls for casual family dinners. However you plate it, this casserole always stands out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly with foil or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for meal preppers and anyone who loves a good next-day lunch.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or seal in a freezer-safe container. For best quality, use within two months. If possible, freeze before baking and add the cracker topping fresh when ready to cook, but it reheats beautifully either way.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20–25 minutes if reheating the whole casserole, less for single servings. A splash of extra milk can help loosen up the creamy sauce if needed. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave for quick meals on busy days.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out any extra moisture before adding it to the casserole. Fresh spinach brings a delicate flavor and an extra pop of green.

What’s the best chicken to use for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole?

Rotisserie chicken is my personal favorite for this recipe, but any cooked and shredded chicken works well—including grilled breasts or thighs, poached chicken, or leftovers from a roasted bird. Whatever you have on hand will be delicious.

Can I swap the soup for something else?

If you prefer, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different take—both add a wonderful richness and slightly different depth of flavor to the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole.

How do I keep the topping extra crispy?

Don’t cover the casserole while baking! For even more crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watching closely) to give the cracker or breadcrumb topping a deep golden finish.

Is this casserole gluten free?

It can be! Use gluten-free cream soup, certified gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs, and double-check ingredient labels on your chicken broth. The rest of the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so inviting about a bubbling, golden casserole on the dinner table—especially when it’s as easy and flavorful as this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole. I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to this family favorite soon, and discover how quickly it disappears! Go ahead and make it your own, then get ready for that first, cheesy, irresistible scoop.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole, a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, spinach, and a crispy topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Topping:

1 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Mix Casserole: In a bowl, combine chicken, sautéed onion, garlic, spinach, soup, sour cream, milk, cheeses, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Layer and Bake: Spread mixture in baking dish. Mix crackers with butter, sprinkle over casserole. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.