This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the ultimate one-dish comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and a velvety cheese sauce, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection and makes for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, this cozy casserole is hearty, nourishing, and endlessly satisfying.
Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a versatile dish that’s great on its own or paired with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Introduction: A Comfort Food Classic with a Wholesome Twist
Casseroles are a beloved staple in many households—warm, filling, and often made from pantry and fridge staples. This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole offers all the classic casserole appeal, but with a fresh, nutritious boost from sautéed spinach and lean protein-rich chicken.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance: creamy without being heavy, cheesy but not overwhelming, and packed with vegetables to nourish the body and soul. It’s a perfect meal for cold nights, Sunday meal prep, or delivering to a neighbor or new parent.
Ingredients Overview: Why Each Ingredient Matters
1. Cooked Chicken (Shredded or Cubed)
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Rotisserie chicken works great, or use baked, grilled, or poached chicken breast or thighs.
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A great source of lean protein and structure.
2. Fresh Baby Spinach
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Lightly sautéed before adding to the casserole.
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Rich in iron, fiber, and antioxidants.
3. Cream Cheese
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Blended into the sauce to create a luscious texture.
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Adds tang and creaminess without needing heavy cream.
4. Shredded Cheese
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A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack creates that melty, golden topping.
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Adds flavor and helps bind the casserole.
5. Garlic and Onion
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Sautéed aromatics build depth in the sauce.
6. Milk or Half-and-Half
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Used to loosen the cream cheese and make a smooth, pourable sauce.
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Choose full-fat for best consistency.
7. Parmesan Cheese
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For that salty, umami-rich punch in the sauce.
8. Egg (Optional)
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Helps bind the filling if you’re making a denser, sliceable casserole.
9. Seasonings
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Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of nutmeg (classic in creamy spinach dishes).
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
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2½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
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4 cups fresh baby spinach
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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6 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup milk or half-and-half
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½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1 egg, lightly beaten
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Optional topping: ¼ cup breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
1. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
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Grease a 9×9 or 9×13 inch baking dish depending on depth.
2. Sauté the Spinach
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes).
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Add spinach and sauté until wilted (2–3 minutes). Set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
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In a saucepan or skillet, combine cream cheese and milk over low heat.
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Stir until smooth and fully melted.
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Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
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Stir in sautéed spinach mixture.
4. Assemble the Casserole
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In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken with the creamy spinach sauce.
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If using, mix in the egg for a firmer, baked finish.
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Spread the mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
5. Top with Cheese
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Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
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Optional: Add buttered breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
6. Bake
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.
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Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra browning, if desired.
7. Rest and Serve
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Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Tips for Success
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Soften cream cheese before cooking to help it melt smoothly.
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Chop spinach before sautéing for easier mixing and texture.
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If too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen the sauce.
Flavor Variations
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Add 1 cup mushrooms, sautéed with the onions.
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Stir in ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice for more bulk.
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Use cooked bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes for savory pops.
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Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Substitutions
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Use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese in place of cream cheese for higher protein.
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Replace chicken with rotisserie turkey or cooked tofu for a vegetarian twist.
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Make dairy-free with plant-based cream cheese and cheese shreds.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This creamy casserole is a one-dish meal, but also pairs well with:
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A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette
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A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Roasted potatoes or steamed rice
Perfect for:
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Weeknight family dinners
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Meal prep (stores well for 3–4 days)
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Potlucks or family gatherings
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Post-holiday turkey leftovers makeover
Nutritional & Health Notes
This casserole is:
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High in protein from chicken, cheese, and egg
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Rich in calcium and iron thanks to spinach and dairy
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Low in carbs, especially if served without rice or bread
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Easily keto or low-carb friendly when made with full-fat ingredients
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Customizable for gluten-free diets (skip breadcrumbs or use GF version)
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 6):
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Calories: 320–370
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Protein: 30–35g
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Fat: 22g
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Carbs: 4–8g
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Fiber: 1–2g
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Sugar: <3g
FAQ: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes of bake time.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Freeze after baking (or unbaked) in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
3. How can I make this keto-friendly?
This recipe is naturally low in carbs. Just skip any breadcrumbs, use full-fat dairy, and serve with non-starchy vegetables.
4. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using to prevent a watery casserole.
5. What cheeses melt best in this casserole?
Mozzarella is classic for stretch, while cheddar or Monterey Jack add sharpness. Parmesan provides depth.
6. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time and boosting flavor.
7. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Be sure not to overbake. Adding a bit more milk or cheese can also help retain moisture.
