Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a wholesome and creamy comfort dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, flavorful cream cheese topping. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or special family meals. It’s quick to make, packed with nutrients, and delivers a satisfying combination of flavors. The savory cream cheese and mozzarella sauce meld perfectly with the seasoned chicken and wilted spinach, making each bite irresistible. Whether served on its own or with a side of rice or potatoes, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a smooth, rich sauce that coats the chicken and spinach perfectly, delivering a creamy, comforting meal.

2. Quick to Prepare

With only a few simple ingredients and a short prep time, this casserole can be on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for busy nights.

3. Packed with Protein and Veggies

This dish features chicken, a great source of lean protein, and fresh spinach, which is high in vitamins and minerals, creating a balanced meal.

4. One-Dish Wonder

Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and reducing the number of pots and pans to wash.

5. Customizable

You can easily adjust the recipe by adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or swapping the mozzarella for a different cheese if desired.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Fresh spinach
Cream cheese (softened)
Sour cream
Garlic cloves (minced)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Onion powder
Olive oil

Variations

Add Vegetables: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra texture and flavor.
Cheese Substitutes: Swap mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or provolone.
Make it Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the cream cheese mixture for a little heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this point as it will bake in the casserole.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the fresh spinach at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the seared chicken on top of the spinach. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set. Serve it with a side of rice, potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Searing the chicken for just a few minutes ensures that it doesn’t dry out while baking. It will finish cooking in the oven.
Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and integrates nicely with the casserole. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thoroughly drain it to avoid excess moisture.
Add Cheese to Taste: Adjust the amount of mozzarella to your liking for a cheesier casserole.

How to Serve

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese pairs well with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. It’s filling enough to serve as a main dish, but you can complement it with a side of crusty bread or a light soup to start the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. After baking and cooling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat individual servings, place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They will remain juicy and tender, just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the mozzarella for another cheese such as cheddar, gouda, or provolone.

5. Can I add pasta to the casserole?

Yes, cooked pasta can be added to the casserole for a heartier dish. Stir it in with the spinach before layering the chicken.

6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. If using a meat thermometer, check the thickest part of the chicken.

7. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slightly tangier and healthier option.

8. Can I add other seasonings to the cream cheese mixture?

Yes, feel free to add additional seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe for a larger group. Use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time if needed.

10. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines savory chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach. It’s a one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Whether you add extra vegetables or serve it with your favorite sides, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your household.