The Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a warm, creamy embrace of flavors and textures that just feels like home on a chilly evening. With juicy shredded chicken, velvety cream cheese, earthy spinach, and a golden blanket of melty mozzarella, this casserole is the ultimate in cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food. The best part? It comes together with ingredients you probably already have, making it the perfect go-to recipe when you crave something satisfying yet simple.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of classic ingredients transform into such a luscious and hearty meal! Each element builds a layer of flavor or texture, so don’t be shy about picking the best you can find—every ingredient truly matters here.

Chicken: Use 4 cups of cooked shredded chicken; rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds another dimension of flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese lends rich creaminess and helps hold the casserole together in the most mouthwatering way.
Sour Cream: Adds a lovely tang and helps the sauce stay nice and velvety without becoming heavy.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, giving you that irresistible stretchy cheese topping.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan provides an umami kick and a touch of salty, nutty sharpness.
Garlic Powder: One teaspoon for savory depth—can’t skip this!
Onion Powder: Blends seamlessly with garlic for a fragrant base note.
Salt: Just a little brings out all the other flavors without overdoing it.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bite and balances the creaminess.
Frozen Chopped Spinach: Make sure you thaw and squeeze out the water so your casserole stays creamy, not watery.
Chicken Broth: Lends richness and keeps everything from feeling too thick; low-sodium is great if you want more control over the seasoning.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a tiny touch of heat—if you’re in the mood!
Extra Shredded Mozzarella: An extra layer for topping makes the casserole picture-perfect when baked.

How to Make Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This quick step ensures your creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese won’t stick and will serve up easily later.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until you’ve got a smooth and luscious base. This is where that signature creamy texture comes from, and it’s the foundation of the dish.

Step 3: Fold in Chicken and Spinach

Next, gently fold the shredded chicken and well-drained spinach into your creamy mixture. Take a moment to make sure everything is evenly coated—each bite of the casserole should be a perfect blend of chicken, spinach, and sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle a handful (or two!) of shredded mozzarella right on top. This forms a gloriously gooey top layer as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top is golden and melty. If you’re using buttered breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on for the last 10 minutes of baking for an added crunch.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Give your baked Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese just five minutes to rest after pulling it from the oven. This little break helps it set up so you can slice and serve the perfect squares—no soupy mess!

How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Garnishes

Finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dusting of extra Parmesan, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten everything up. These little touches add a burst of color and make every plate look just as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with something crisp and light—like a green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a platter of simply roasted veggies—really balances out the creamy richness. For something a touch fancier, try it next to garlic green beans or a tangle of zucchini noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want to elevate weeknight dinner, bake the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese in individual ramekins for a fun personal touch. Or, spoon it onto toasty bread rounds as a party-ready appetizer everyone will devour. The possibilities are endless and so much fun to explore!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making those weeknight lunches or quick dinners a breeze.

Freezing

This dish is a dream for meal prepping! Assemble the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese right up to the baking step, then wrap well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual or until heated through—perfection, even from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave for two to three minutes, or warm a larger casserole (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. A quick sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating brings it back to its glorious, melty self.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain and chop before folding it into the casserole. The taste will be just as wonderful, with a slightly more delicate texture.

Is there a good substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic stand-in for sour cream if you’re looking to lighten things up or simply don’t have sour cream on hand. It brings tang and creaminess without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Use two forks to pull apart rotisserie or poached chicken breasts, or pulse cooked chicken in a stand mixer for super-fast shredding. Even leftover grilled chicken works deliciously here!

Can I make this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese ahead of time?

Definitely—assemble everything, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it starts from cold.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, the base Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is naturally gluten-free as long as you skip any breadcrumb topping or choose gluten-free crumbs. Always double-check your broth and cheeses just to be safe!

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something creamy, comforting, and totally satisfying, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is calling your name. It’s an instant family favorite, perfect for busy nights or feeding friends, and it never disappoints. I hope it becomes your go-to, just as it has in my kitchen—give it a try and let the comfort begin!

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese that makes for a satisfying and comforting meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture:

4 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Topping:

Extra shredded mozzarella cheese for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth. Fold in chicken and spinach.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, spread it out evenly. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.