Golden Chicken & Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy chicken and spinach casserole with cream cheese that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender chicken and vibrant spinach meld together in a luxurious, velvety sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and greens, wrapped in a rich, decadent embrace.

The cream cheese adds a tangy depth that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good, with this hearty and nourishing casserole ready to steal the show.

Prepare to be transported to comfort food heaven with every delicious bite.

What Goes In Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• Cream Cheese: Brings velvety richness and tangy depth to the casserole, choose full-fat version for maximum flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds silky texture and subtle tanginess, look for thick and smooth consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth sauce that binds ingredients together.

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides substantial filling, opt for pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutritional boost, fresh or frozen both work wonderfully.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty undertone that elevates overall taste, select authentic aged variety.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers classic melty texture and mild creaminess, shredded works best for even distribution.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic warmth and depth, fresh minced garlic provides most intense flavor.
• Onion Powder: Introduces subtle savory notes without chopping fresh onions.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavors, use kosher or sea salt for better taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides most robust flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Contributes subtle spicy kick, adjust quantity based on heat preference.

• Parsley or Basil: Brings fresh brightness and visual appeal to finished dish.

Tools You’ll Need For Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese mixture with all ingredients smoothly.
• 9×9-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for evenly spreading and baking the casserole.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for grating fresh Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Needed to mix ingredients and spread mixture evenly in the dish.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp Knife: Used for chopping spinach and optional herb garnish.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dish.

How To Make Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Whip Together the Creamy Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, heavy cream, and seasonings until they dance together smoothly.

• Mix in the Star Ingredients

Fold your cooked chicken and chopped spinach into the velvety mixture, making sure every morsel gets coated with deliciousness. Spread this dreamy blend into your prepared dish and shower it with extra mozzarella.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the hot oven and let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are sizzling.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece, let it rest for a quick 5 minutes, and sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Time to dig in and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!

Tips To Switch Up Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• Smart Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken and freeze individual portions for quick future casseroles, saving time on busy weeknights.
• Low-Carb Hero: Replace spinach with cauliflower or broccoli for a keto-friendly version that maintains creamy, cheesy deliciousness.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of regular cheese to create a plant-based alternative that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Spice Sensation: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to transform the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting for repeat meals.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked quinoa or white beans to increase protein content and make the casserole more filling, perfect for athletes or active individuals.

Simple Ways To Serve Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and bright flavor that adds freshness to the creamy casserole.
• Protein Power Plate: Serve alongside quinoa, wild rice, or cauliflower rice to create a complete and balanced meal with extra nutrition and texture.
• Crispy Topping Crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds over the casserole before baking to add a delightful crispy layer that contrasts with the creamy base.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cream cheese and provide a refreshing balance to the dish.

Store Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese Right

• Smart Portioning: Divide the casserole into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the workweek. Perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time and energy.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for freezer storage. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire casserole in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top to revive its creamy, melty goodness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Scrumptious chicken and spinach casserole brings comfort directly from grandmother’s kitchen in rural Pennsylvania. Creamy layers of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melted cream cheese promise a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 (8 oz/227 g) block cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml/113 g) sour cream
• 2 cups (56 g) fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup (227 g) frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (56 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (or milk)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Chopped parsley or fresh basil (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Thermal Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and delicately shield a 9-inch baking dish with a protective coating to prevent adherence.
2. Flavor Fusion: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, heavy cream, garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into a velvety, homogeneous mixture, whisking until smooth and integrated.
3. Ingredient Integration: Tenderly fold pre-cooked chicken and chopped spinach into the creamy foundation, ensuring comprehensive coating and harmonious distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Baking Configuration: Pour the enhanced mixture into the prepared dish, leveling the surface and generously scattering additional mozzarella across the top for a golden, appetizing crust.
5. Culinary Transformation: Nestle the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes of transformative heat exposure until edges bubble vigorously and cheese melts into a bronzed, appetizing landscape. After removing, pause for a 5-minute stabilization period, permitting flavors to meld and settle, optionally adorning with fresh parsley or basil for visual intrigue.

Notes

• Chicken Tenderness Tip: Ensure chicken is fully cooked but not overcooked by using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Spinach Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain and pat spinach dry to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery and losing creamy consistency.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smoother blending and more even distribution throughout the sauce.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional ingredients for a lighter, keto-friendly version of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg