Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

Craving something rich, flavorful, and comforting? This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect dish! Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, a luscious cream sauce, and topped with melted cheese, this casserole is a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s easy to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and tastes even better the next day. Follow along for a detailed recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make this delicious casserole!

What is Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole?

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a baked dish made with cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, and a creamy sauce, all layered together and baked with melted cheese on top. This casserole is hearty, comforting, and loaded with protein and veggies. It’s a one-dish meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even meal prep for the week. The combination of spinach and creamy chicken is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome meal everyone will love.

Ingredients List for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 10 oz fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing and topping)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your preferences:

• Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover roasted chicken. You can also substitute with turkey for a post-Thanksgiving twist.
• Spinach: You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole. You can also try using kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
• Cheese: While mozzarella is mild and melts beautifully, you can use cheddar, Gouda, or even Swiss cheese for a deeper flavor.
• Cream: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Breadcrumbs: If you prefer a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crispy finish. You can also use crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Cook and shred the chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, cook chicken breasts or thighs by poaching them in simmering water or sautéing in a pan until cooked through. Shred or cube the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Onions

• Sauté the onions: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
• Cook the garlic and spinach: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and well-drained before adding to the pan. Set the spinach mixture aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

• Add cream and broth: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk together until combined.
• Thicken the sauce: If you’d like a thicker sauce, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour into the mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken.
• Add the seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Add cheeses: Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Layer the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the dish. Top with the sautéed spinach and onions, spreading it evenly over the chicken.
• Pour the cream sauce: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and spinach mixture, making sure it’s spread evenly throughout the dish.
• Top with cheese and breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup of Parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for a crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using breadcrumbs, the top should be golden brown. If you want extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
• Serve your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside a simple salad for a complete meal.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook and Shred Chicken: Prepare your chicken by cooking and shredding it.
2. Sauté Spinach and Onions: Cook onions, garlic, and spinach in olive oil until softened and wilted.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: Prepare a creamy sauce with heavy cream, broth, cheese, and seasonings.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Layer the chicken, spinach, and sauce in a baking dish, and top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
5. Bake: Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to make sure your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole turns out perfect every time:

• Not Draining the Spinach: If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to drain it thoroughly. Too much liquid will water down the casserole and prevent it from becoming creamy.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Be sure to not overcook the chicken before adding it to the casserole, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Not Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin before adding it to the casserole, whisk in a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it. Otherwise, the casserole may turn out runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting meal that can be served in various ways to make it feel special:

• Serve with Bread: Pair the casserole with crusty bread or garlic bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
• Serve Over Rice or Pasta: For a more filling meal, serve the casserole over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
• Light Side Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Add Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or a little grated Parmesan on top for a colorful and flavorful garnish.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish in the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves.
• Individual Plates: For a more elegant presentation, plate individual servings with a garnish of fresh herbs and a side of garlic bread or a salad.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of parsley, basil, or thyme for a burst of color.
• Colorful Baking Dish: Serve the casserole in a bright, colorful baking dish to add visual appeal to the table.
• Serve with Lemon Wedges: Adding lemon wedges on the side brightens up the flavors and makes the dish look more vibrant.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just be sure to thaw and drain it completely before using it in the casserole to prevent excess liquid.

2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk), and use dairy-free cheese to make this casserole dairy-free.

3. How can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the casserole. Simply sauté them along with the spinach and onions.

4. What should I do if my casserole turns out watery?
If the casserole is watery, it may be due to excess liquid from the spinach or chicken. Make sure to drain the spinach well and not add too much chicken broth. You can also stir in a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to make, hearty, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spinach all baked together, it’s a meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this cheesy, creamy dish!

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