Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Name: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped; 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Isabella

📖Life, Love, and Gastronomy 📖

Jump to Recipe

A comforting and hearty dish, this creamy chicken and spinach casserole is packed with tender chicken, fresh greens, and a velvety cheesy sauce that melts in the mouth. It’s a one-pan meal I love turning to when I want something both indulgent and easy to throw together. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy evening meal, this recipe always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole brings together wholesome ingredients in the most comforting way. The mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella gives it a luxurious texture, while the spinach and chicken balance things out with freshness and protein. It’s a fuss-free, satisfying bake that fits weeknight dinners, leftovers for lunch, or even a make-ahead meal. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and easy to adapt for different dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped

4 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup sour cream

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant—usually about 3-4 minutes.

I stir in the chopped spinach and cook it until it wilts, which takes another 2-3 minutes. Then I take the skillet off the heat and let it cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, I blend together the sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth.

I fold in the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach mixture, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese, mixing everything until well combined.

Then I transfer the creamy mixture to a greased baking dish, smoothing out the top. I sprinkle the remaining Parmesan evenly over the surface.

After that I bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. I let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 generous servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Calories per serving: About 380 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap the mozzarella for sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile.

For extra veggies, I add sautéed mushrooms or chopped artichoke hearts.

When I want a bit of crunch on top, I mix crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it before baking.

I’ve also made this with rotisserie chicken for convenience, and it works beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the texture intact, but the microwave works fine too—just cover it and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Related Recipes:

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best for this casserole?

I use cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, I can substitute frozen spinach, but I make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is this casserole keto-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it a great fit for a ketogenic diet.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, I let it come to room temperature first.

What’s the best side dish to serve with it?

I like serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, mashed cauliflower or garlic green beans pair well.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is everything I love in a comfort meal—rich, flavorful, and simple to prepare. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I need something warm and reliable that everyone around the table will enjoy. Whether I’m meal-prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this casserole never lets me down.

📖 Recipe: