Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

When you’re craving a warm, creamy, and satisfying meal that brings the whole family together, nothing beats a Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. This dish is not only delicious and comforting, but it also makes an excellent make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights or a hearty weekend treat.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about making, serving, and customizing this casserole. We’ll also cover storage tips, health benefits, nutritional values, and variations so you can adapt it perfectly to your lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

The Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese has all the elements of a perfect dish:

• Rich and creamy texture from the cream cheese base.

• Nutritious greens with spinach, adding fiber, iron, and vitamins.

• Protein-packed chicken, keeping you full and satisfied.

• Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.

• Versatile – you can serve it with pasta, rice, or on its own.

This dish also works well for meal prep since it can be made ahead, refrigerated, and reheated without losing its flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the ingredient list for a classic Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese:

• 2–3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, rotisserie chicken works great)

• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed, and drained)

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• ½ cup chicken broth or milk

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional, enhances spinach flavor)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or extra cheese

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Use cooked shredded chicken breast, thighs, or leftover rotisserie chicken. Make sure it’s seasoned lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until golden and fragrant. This builds the flavor base.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chicken broth (or milk), paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

If using fresh spinach, wilt it slightly in the skillet before mixing. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s drained completely to avoid excess liquid.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a greased casserole dish, layer the chicken, then the spinach, and pour the cream cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with butter before baking.

Step 7: Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it as is, or pair it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Card – Quick View

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6

Ingredients:
Chicken, spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, onion, garlic, chicken broth, seasonings.

Instructions:

1. Cook or shred chicken.

2. Sauté onion and garlic.

3. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, broth, and spices.

4. Add spinach and combine with chicken.

5. Transfer to casserole dish, top with cheese.

6. Bake 25–30 min at 375°F.

Result: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole perfect for family dinners.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Fat: 30g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

This makes the dish relatively low-carb, making it keto-friendly if paired with the right sides.

Variations of Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

One of the best things about this casserole is how customizable it is. Here are some creative variations:

1. Low-Carb Keto Version

• Skip the breadcrumbs.

• Use full-fat cream cheese and mozzarella.

• Add extra spinach or broccoli for fiber.

2. Pasta Bake Style

• Mix the casserole base with cooked penne or fusilli pasta.

• Top with extra cheese for a bubbly pasta casserole.

3. Spicy Mexican Twist

• Add diced green chilies or jalapeños.

• Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.

• Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.

4. Mediterranean Style

• Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.

• Use feta cheese along with cream cheese.

• Top with fresh basil after baking.

5. Gluten-Free Option

• Ensure broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

• Use gluten-free crackers if adding a topping.

What to Serve with Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

• Garlic bread or baguette for dipping into the creamy sauce.

• Simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness.

• Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.

• Rice pilaf or quinoa for a wholesome pairing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Health Benefits of This Dish

• Chicken: High in lean protein, essential for muscle repair.

• Spinach: Packed with iron, calcium, and vitamin K.

• Cream cheese: Provides calcium and a satisfying creamy texture.

• Customizable: Can be adapted to keto, gluten-free, or low-fat diets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.

3. What type of chicken is best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time, but you can also use baked or poached chicken breast or thighs.

4. Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes, substitute ricotta cheese or cottage cheese for a lighter version.

5. How can I make it healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduce cheese, and add more spinach or vegetables.

Conclusion

The Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is more than just a recipe – it’s a versatile, family-friendly comfort food that you can adapt to any occasion. With its creamy texture, nutritious spinach, and protein-rich chicken, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes: flavor, nutrition, and convenience.