Creamy Chicken And Spinach Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting, creamy casserole that’s loaded with flavor and nutrition? This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect solution! It combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, a rich and cheesy cream sauce, and a crunchy topping, all baked to perfection. This dish is easy to make and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into a cheesy, irresistible meal! Keep reading to find out how to make this delicious casserole from scratch.

What is "Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole"?

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting baked dish that features tender pieces of chicken, sautéed spinach, and a creamy sauce made with cheese, cream, and seasonings. The casserole is topped with cheese and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the perfect combination of rich, creamy textures and hearty flavors, making it an ideal comfort food meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients List for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the topping)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version, swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Cheese Options: While mozzarella and Parmesan provide great flavor, you can substitute or mix in other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss for a different twist.
• Low-Carb Version: To keep this dish low-carb, skip the breadcrumbs and top it with extra cheese or crushed pork rinds for a crunchy, keto-friendly topping.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or cooked tofu for a vegetarian casserole. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

2. Sauté the Spinach and Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly drained before adding. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, and creamy sauce. Stir until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

5. Add the Toppings

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan over the casserole, followed by the buttered breadcrumbs.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. If the breadcrumbs aren’t browning as much as you’d like, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes—just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

7. Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to portion out. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and enjoy!

How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

For the best Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole, follow these key tips:

1. Season Every Layer: Make sure to season the spinach and chicken as you go to ensure every bite is flavorful. Don’t skip seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper.
2. Drain the Spinach Well: If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained. You can squeeze the spinach in a kitchen towel or press it in a colander to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
3. Toast the Breadcrumbs: Toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling them on top. This helps them turn golden and crispy in the oven.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole:

• Watery Casserole: If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Excess water will make the casserole runny.
• Not Toasting the Breadcrumbs: Make sure to coat the breadcrumbs in melted butter to get that crunchy, golden topping. Skipping this step can result in pale, dry crumbs.
• Overcooking the Chicken: If you’re starting with pre-cooked chicken, make sure not to overbake the casserole, as the chicken can become dry. The goal is just to heat everything through and melt the cheese.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a rich and comforting dish, but you can still serve it with flair:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or even thyme adds color and freshness to the dish.
• Serve Family-Style: Place the casserole dish on the table and let everyone help themselves. The golden, cheesy topping makes for a beautiful presentation.
• Pair with Light Sides: Serve the casserole alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Once your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is baked to golden perfection, serve it hot. Here are some serving ideas:

• With Rice or Pasta: Serve the casserole over a bed of rice, quinoa, or even pasta for a heartier meal.
• With a Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the casserole.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

For a visually appealing presentation, try these ideas:

• Serve in a Rustic Casserole Dish: Serve the dish directly from the casserole dish for a cozy, family-style meal.
• Garnish with Parmesan and Parsley: Right before serving, add a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
• Slice and Serve: After letting the casserole rest, cut it into squares or portions for easy serving. The cheesy topping and creamy filling will make for a mouthwatering sight.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freeze It: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen spinach in this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain it completely to avoid a watery casserole. Squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it well and add a bit more time to the baking if it’s cold.

3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the casserole for extra veggies and flavor.

4. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
The key is to make sure any frozen spinach is fully thawed and drained. Fresh spinach should be cooked just until wilted to avoid excess liquid.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort food and nutrition. With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. It’s simple to make, adaptable to your preferences, and offers a delicious way to serve up a hearty meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or preparing for a gathering, this casserole will hit the spot!

Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole! 🥘🍗

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