Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, bubbling Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese that’s golden on top and velvety throughout. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy cream cheese in a marriage of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is guaranteed to become a family favorite in no time. You’ll learn how to create layers of flavor while keeping the preparation simple and straightforward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation for so many reasons. The contrast between the crispy, golden cheese topping and the creamy, rich filling creates a textural experience that’s truly satisfying. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of protein-packed chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and indulgent cream cheese.

What makes this casserole special is its versatility – it’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for busy weeknights. The cream cheese creates a silky sauce that coats every ingredient without the need for heavy cream or complicated roux-based sauces. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one dish, meaning fewer pots and pans to clean afterward!

Kids and adults alike will appreciate how the cream cheese mellows the spinach flavor, making this a sneaky way to incorporate greens into your family’s diet. The combination of cheesy spinach casserole with perfectly seasoned chicken creates comfort food magic that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients

For this delicious Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat works best for creaminess)
• 10 oz fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

The cream cheese serves as the star ingredient, creating a luscious base for our spinach chicken bake. Fresh spinach provides better texture, but frozen works in a pinch. Choose high-quality parmesan for the best flavor development in this cheesy chicken casserole with spinach.

Pro Tips

Perfectly Cook the Chicken: To ensure your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese has tender, juicy chicken, avoid overcooking it initially. The chicken will continue cooking in the oven, so just lightly brown it on the stovetop. For maximum flavor, season the chicken generously before browning and allow it to rest for a few minutes after cooking to seal in juices.

Create the Creamiest Sauce: The secret to a silky-smooth cream cheese sauce is temperature control. Always bring your cream cheese to room temperature before using, and when incorporating it into the hot mixture, remove the pan from heat first and stir gradually. This prevents the cream cheese from separating and ensures that velvety texture that makes this casserole so delightful.

Spinach Preparation Matters: When using fresh spinach in your cream cheese chicken casserole, cook it just until wilted and immediately plunge into ice water. This “shocking” process preserves the bright green color and stops the cooking process. Then thoroughly squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery casserole. This extra step makes a remarkable difference in both the appearance and texture of your finished dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature while you prepare the other components. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s completely thawed and squeeze out all excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetable Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add diced onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. If using fresh spinach, add it now in batches, stirring until wilted. If using frozen spinach, add it now and stir to combine with the onion-garlic mixture.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until it begins to melt. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to create a smooth sauce. Mix in the sour cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden, and the chicken is completely cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). For an extra golden top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese into a Mediterranean delight by adding 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup of sliced Kalamata olives, and swapping the mozzarella for feta cheese. The tangy olives and sweet tomatoes complement the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a flavor profile that’s reminiscent of Greek cuisine.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: For a keto-friendly spin on this creamy spinach chicken casserole, add 2 cups of cauliflower florets (lightly steamed) to the mixture before baking. The cauliflower adds volume and absorbs all the creamy goodness while keeping carbs low. You can also use a combination of cream cheese and mascarpone for an even richer texture.

Spicy Southwest Twist: Kick up the heat by adding 1 diced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and replacing the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning. Mix in 1/2 cup of black beans and top with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. This variation transforms the classic into a fusion dish with bold southwestern flavors that pairs perfectly with a side of avocado.

Storage and Serving

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole (either whole or in portions) for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.

For an elegant presentation, serve this creamy chicken and spinach bake over a bed of buttered egg noodles or with crusty artisan bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette – the acidity provides a perfect contrast to the rich casserole.

This casserole also makes an excellent potluck contribution. Transport it covered with foil and reheat at your destination, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness that makes the dish even more inviting.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 3-4 cups of chicken and add it directly to the sauce mixture, then proceed with baking. Reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes since you’re starting with fully cooked chicken.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mascarpone for a slightly sweeter flavor, or a combination of ricotta and sour cream (3/4 cup ricotta plus 1/4 cup sour cream) for a different texture. Each variation will create a slightly different flavor profile but will maintain the creamy consistency.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Why is my casserole watery?
Excess moisture usually comes from the spinach. Whether using fresh or frozen, be sure to thoroughly drain or squeeze out all water from the spinach before adding it to your casserole.

What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens work well as substitutes. Just remember that heartier greens like kale will need a few extra minutes of cooking time to soften properly.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and loaded with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into special occasions while still being simple enough to prepare even when you’re short on time. The combination of tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and velvety cream cheese creates a meal that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this casserole is bound to impress and will likely have everyone asking for seconds!

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