Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and elegant dish combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and rich flavors with minimal preparation.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs/crackers are used)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Topping
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs: thyme or parsley, chopped (about 1 tsp each)
- Prepare the chicken: Start by cooking diced chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic to infuse flavor right from the start.
- Sauté the spinach and aromatics: In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Then toss in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, retaining vibrant color and tender texture.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Blend until smooth, creating a luscious base that will bind the chicken and spinach together beautifully.
- Combine all ingredients: Mix the cooked chicken and sautéed spinach into the creamy sauce, making sure everything is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish for the final bake.
- Add the finishing touches and bake: Top the casserole with shredded cheese, then sprinkle bread crumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crispy crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach and quality chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the spinach; just wilt it to preserve nutrients and color.
- Soften cream cheese to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes after baking to set and slice neatly.
- Toast breadcrumbs for added depth or swap for crushed nuts for a unique crunchy topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Creamy chicken casserole, spinach casserole, comfort food, family dinner, creamy sauce, baked chicken dish, easy casserole