The Ultimate Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole: Your Easy Weeknight Comfort Food
Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole has rapidly become one of the most beloved creamy chicken recipes shared on our blog! This delightful chicken and spinach casserole is meticulously layered into a baking dish, combining fresh, vibrant spinach, tender raw chicken breasts, and a rich parmesan cream sauce that promises to melt into pure bliss under a golden, crispy cheese crust. It’s the perfect solution for an effortless weeknight dinner, incredibly versatile whether served over fluffy rice, comforting pasta, or alongside your favorite low-carb options.
Chicken casserole recipes are inherently comforting, and this particular dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. If you’re looking to transform this into a chicken spinach rice casserole, simply add a layer of parboiled rice to the bottom of the casserole dish before assembling the other ingredients. For more amazing chicken ideas, be sure to try our incredibly popular Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup! We’re also excited about an upcoming Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, so keep an eye out for that culinary delight!
Watch How To Make Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole:
Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal
Creamy chicken recipes, especially delightful creations like this chicken and spinach casserole, are the epitome of comfort food served with impressive speed. You’d be hard-pressed to find a chicken casserole recipe that comes together faster; literally, every ingredient goes into the casserole dish fresh and cooks simultaneously in the oven! This minimal prep approach makes it an absolute game-changer for busy evenings.
This particular chicken casserole recipe has captivated hearts and taste buds alike, having been pinned over 326,000 times! Its immense popularity stems from its incredible adaptability and delicious results. Many home cooks have successfully experimented with various scrumptious variations, incorporating ingredients like juicy chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and serving it over diverse bases such as fluffy rice, tender Brussel sprouts, steamed cauliflower, classic noodles, and even flavorful pesto pasta. It’s widely celebrated as kid-approved and remarkably straightforward for any home cook to whip up, especially for those hectic weeknight dinners. We’ve even received countless messages praising how incredibly satisfying and delicious this chicken dish turned out!
The inspiration for this incredibly easy chicken casserole recipe came years ago when a friend introduced me to her Creamy Spinach Tilapia Casserole. Recognizing the genius of the creamy sauce and simple layering, I immediately knew this concept would be phenomenal with chicken. And indeed, it was a revelation! I’m so glad I decided to share this cheesy chicken casserole with all of you, as your overwhelming love for it has been truly rewarding. A fantastic bonus for many, it has also earned the title of “Keto Chicken,” as it naturally happens to be both gluten-free and low-carb, fitting perfectly into various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole:
Creating this irresistible creamy spinach chicken casserole requires just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key to its fantastic flavor:
- Fresh Spinach: Don’t be shy – pack that casserole dish with an entire 8oz package of fresh spinach! It wilts down beautifully and infuses the dish with vital nutrients and a lovely earthy flavor. While fresh is preferred, you can absolutely use frozen spinach; just be sure to thoroughly thaw it and squeeze out any excess liquid to prevent a watery casserole.
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend using 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half crosswise to create 4 thinner fillets. This ensures even cooking and quick preparation. Alternatively, you can pick up thinly sliced chicken breasts directly from the store. If you prefer a richer flavor and slightly different texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be a delicious substitute.
- Mayonnaise: This is a crucial base for our creamy sauce, providing a rich, tangy foundation. While you could technically substitute with a creamy salad dressing, be mindful to adjust the garlic salt and other seasonings to taste, as dressings often have their own distinct flavor profile.
- Sour Cream: Adding sour cream to the sauce brings a wonderful tang and enhances the overall creaminess, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise. For a slightly lighter or alternative option, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
- Cheese: We utilize two types of cheese for optimal flavor and texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is whisked into the cream sauce, imparting a salty, umami depth. For the glorious top crust, shredded Monterey Jack cheese is our top recommendation for its excellent melting properties and mild, creamy flavor that turns beautifully golden. Feel free to experiment with shredded mozzarella cheese or other mild cheese blends. However, a word of caution: if you opt for a cheddar cheese blend, the cheese crust can sometimes develop a more pronounced yellow hue and even turn dark brown, affecting the visual appeal.
- Seasoning: The Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise already contribute a significant amount of salt to the dish, so proceed with caution and be careful not to oversalt this chicken casserole. A simple combination of garlic salt and ground black pepper is usually sufficient. For an extra layer of savory flavor on the chicken breasts, feel free to sprinkle them with a dash of adobo seasoning before layering.
Effortless Preparation: How To Make Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole in Minutes
This creamy chicken casserole is unbelievably easy to make, embodying the perfect “dump and bake” philosophy. Follow these straightforward instructions to get a delicious dinner on the table in no time!
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to a blazing 500°F (260°C). This high temperature is crucial for quickly wilting the spinach, thoroughly cooking the chicken, and achieving that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese crust.
- Assemble the Layers: Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. Then, begin layering your ingredients: start with a generous bed of fresh spinach at the bottom, followed by the thinly sliced raw chicken breasts. Next, evenly spread the rich, creamy cheese sauce over the chicken. Finally, sprinkle generously with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole on the bottom rack of your preheated oven and bake for 18-25 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The casserole is done when the chicken is thoroughly cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese on top is beautifully melted, bubbly, and speckled golden brown.
That’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouth-watering, satisfying casserole ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Creamy Chicken Casserole
What Exactly Is a Creamy Spinach and Chicken Casserole?
At its heart, a Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is a delightful, fuss-free chicken breast dish that promises rich, comforting flavors in every bite. Imagine tender chicken breast fillets layered over a bed of fresh, vibrant spinach, all generously smothered in a luscious, savory cream sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and grated Parmesan. This incredible foundation is then crowned with a blanket of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, baked to golden, bubbly perfection. What truly sets this casserole apart is its remarkable simplicity: there’s no need to pre-cook the chicken or wilt the spinach. Everything goes into the baking dish raw, allowing the oven to do all the work, creating a wonderfully cohesive and flavorful meal. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, effortlessly pairing with wholesome sides like steamed broccoli, fluffy wild rice, or zesty zucchini noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner.
What Delicious Sides Go Well With Chicken Casseroles?
Creamy chicken casserole recipes like this one are hearty enough to serve as a complete main course, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes to round out your meal! Whether you’re looking for comforting carbs or fresh, crisp vegetables, there’s a perfect companion. Here are some fantastic recipe ideas to inspire your next dinner:
- Pasta Noodles: Classic choices like penne, fettuccine, or even our creamy Fettuccine Alfredo.
- Rice: Simple Stovetop Rice or fragrant wild rice makes an excellent base to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- Potatoes: Fluffy Mashed Potatoes or crispy Oven-Baked Potato Wedges offer a comforting starch.
- Bread: A warm loaf of French Bread, garlic bread, or crusty rolls are perfect for dipping.
- Salads: A light and refreshing salad like our Creamy Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad adds a burst of freshness.
- Grains: Hearty cooked grains such as Farro provide a wholesome texture.
- Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, tender broccoli, or our copycat Outback Broccoli and Cheese. For low-carb options, consider zucchini noodles (zoodles) or steamed cauliflower.
- Spaghetti Squash: A great low-carb alternative to pasta, providing a similar texture with fewer carbs.
How Long Does Chicken Need to Cook in This Casserole?
The cooking time for your chicken breast casserole largely depends on the thickness of your chicken meat. For this recipe, we recommend slicing the chicken breasts in half crosswise to create thinner fillets, which promotes faster and more even cooking. Chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Depending on how thick your chicken breast fillets are, baking at 500°F (260°C) can take anywhere from 18 to 25 minutes. In our tests, chicken breasts sliced in half cooked perfectly within a 20-25 minute range, ensuring they were tender and juicy without being overcooked.
Exciting Chicken Casserole Variations to Try:
One of the best aspects of this creamy chicken casserole is its incredible versatility! You can easily customize it with various delicious add-ins, all designed to be baked right along with the chicken. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Spinach Chicken and Sausage: Elevate the flavor by adding 8 oz of your favorite pre-cooked sliced sausage, such as Italian sausage or smoked kielbasa. The savory notes of the sausage beautifully complement the creamy chicken and spinach.
- Creamy Chicken Casserole with Shrimp: For a delightful surf-and-turf twist, add 6 oz of cooked shrimp and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the chicken layer. The shrimp will warm through and meld with the creamy sauce.
- Creamy Salmon Casserole: If you’re a fish lover, easily substitute the chicken with 4 salmon fillets. For extra richness, dollop the spinach layer with 4 tablespoons of butter before adding the salmon.
- Herbed Mushrooms and Butter: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter with Italian seasoning until tender, then layer them into the casserole for an earthy depth of flavor.
- Chicken Bacon and Ranch Casserole: For a flavor-packed punch, add 1/2 cup of crispy bacon bits and swap out the mayonnaise for creamy ranch dressing in the sauce mixture.
- Tuscan Chicken Thighs: Instead of chicken breasts, use 4 skin-on boneless chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent bite and an extra crispy skin layer (ensure thighs are thinner or adjust cook time).
- Asparagus and Shrimp: Place 2 cups of cut fresh asparagus spears at the bottom of the casserole dish, then layer the chicken and shrimp as instructed for a vibrant, fresh addition.
- Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole: Create a heartier meal by adding 8 oz of cooked rice (or one 8.8 oz microwavable rice packet) and 2 cups of cut broccoli florets to the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer the chicken, sauce, and cheese over these additions.
Note: For those following a keto diet, ensure your chosen add-ins and sides are low-carb to keep the dish compliant.
What Cheese Melts Best for This Creamy Chicken Casserole?
For the ultimate creamy chicken casserole with a perfect golden crust, we highly recommend Monterey Jack cheese as the top layer. Its mild flavor and excellent melting properties create a beautifully smooth and bubbly crust. For the sauce mixture, grated Parmesan cheese is essential; it provides a deep, savory, and salty base, so be mindful of additional salt. A general rule is to choose a mildly flavored melting cheese for the top. Another fantastic white cheese that works wonderfully and is widely available is Mozzarella cheese, which also melts into a luscious, stringy perfection.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftover Creamy Chicken Casserole?
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers of this delicious casserole, they reheat wonderfully! Leftovers can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
To reheat chicken: For quick reheating, microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals until thoroughly hot. For a stovetop method that helps maintain texture, place leftovers into a lightly buttered pan, cover, and heat over medium heat until warmed through, usually taking about 10-15 minutes.
Can Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Be Frozen?
Due to the presence of fresh spinach, raw meat, and dairy products, freezing this casserole uncooked is generally not recommended. The high water content from the spinach, combined with the dairy, can result in a grainy texture and excessive liquid when thawed and baked. However, you can absolutely make this casserole ahead of time! Simply assemble all the layers as instructed, cover tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to one day before baking. This makes it a great option for prepping dinner the night before a busy day.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole:
- Choose the Right Baking Dish: Since this chicken recipe bakes at a high temperature (500°F), it’s crucial to use a heavy-duty baking dish that can withstand the heat. A sturdy Dutch oven casserole dish or a high-quality stainless steel dish is ideal to ensure even cooking and prevent potential damage.
- Freshly Grate Your Cheese: For the most visually appealing and flavorful cheese crust, always shred a block of your favorite white melting cheese yourself. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and achieves that desirable speckled brown, bubbly crust more effectively than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Our favorites include a blend of Mozzarella and Parmesan, or pure Monterey Jack (opt for the solid white block, not the Colby blend).
- Prepare Frozen Spinach Properly: If you choose to use frozen spinach instead of fresh, it’s absolutely essential to thaw it completely and then squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This step prevents your casserole from becoming watery and diluting the creamy sauce.
- Manage Excess Liquid from Fresh Spinach: Some readers have found that fresh spinach can release a bit of liquid during baking, leading to a slightly runny bottom layer. To absorb any excess moisture, consider adding a thin layer of cooked cauliflower florets or parboiled rice to the bottom of the casserole dish before adding the spinach. This not only helps with texture but can also add another layer of flavor. Note: incorporating these layers may require a slightly longer baking time.
- Dietary Pairings: This chicken casserole is inherently gluten-free, Keto-friendly, and low-carb. Lean into these benefits by pairing it with more low-carb dishes like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, zucchini noodles (zoodles), or even cauliflower rice. For those not restricting carbs, brown rice or other whole grains also make excellent, wholesome accompaniments.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it as the star alongside classic comfort sides such as al dente pasta noodles, perfectly cooked white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Embrace the High Baking Temperature: The seemingly high baking temperature of 500°F (260°C) is not a typo! It’s specifically chosen for a reason: it effectively wilts the generous amount of fresh spinach and cooks the raw chicken thoroughly and quickly, all while simultaneously creating that coveted, beautifully speckled and golden cheese crust on top. This ensures a tender interior and a delightful exterior texture.
What You’ll Need To Make This Delicious Chicken Casserole:
- One 13×9 inch baking dish (ensure it’s oven-safe for 500°F / 260°C).
More Irresistible Chicken Recipes To Explore:
- White Chicken Enchiladas (or try our savory Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe!)
- Slow-Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches (Crack Chicken)
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Broccoli Dinner
- Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken (Monterey Chicken) – perfect served over pasta or mashed potatoes!
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Gloria Chicken Casserole – another fantastic cheesy chicken casserole in a rich cream sauce.
- Chicken Potato Casserole
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Full Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole
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Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
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1 13×9 baking dish
Ingredients
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breasts (2 chicken breasts, cut in half crosswise)
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8 oz fresh spinach
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8 oz Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
Creamy Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
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1/2 tsp ground black pepper
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1 tsp garlic salt
Instructions
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the creamy sauce ingredients (mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, and garlic salt). Whisk until smooth and well combined. -
Next, pack the prepared casserole dish evenly with the fresh spinach. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot; it will wilt down significantly during baking. -
Carefully arrange the uncooked chicken breast fillets evenly over the spinach layer. You can lightly season the chicken with a pinch of adobo seasoning if desired. -
Evenly spread the prepared creamy sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. -
Finally, generously sprinkle with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Place the baking dish on the bottom rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted significantly, the chicken breasts are thoroughly cooked through (165°F or 74°C internal temperature), and the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown with speckled crispy edges.
Notes
- Important Baking Dish Note: Always ensure you are using a baking dish that is rated safe for an oven temperature of 500°F (260°C). Heavy-duty ceramic, glass-ceramic, or stainless steel dishes are usually suitable.
- For Thicker Chicken: If your chicken breasts are thicker than 1 inch after slicing, you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. Always check the internal temperature.
- Spinach Prep: If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess water before layering to prevent a watery casserole.
Nutrition per serving