Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you are looking for a dinner that screams comfort but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is your new best friend. It is the perfect marriage of tender protein, nutrient-rich greens, and a decadent, velvety cheese sauce that brings it all together. Whether you are following a low-carb lifestyle or just need a hearty meal to feed a hungry family, this dish delivers on all fronts.

This casserole is incredibly versatile. It uses simple pantry staples and transforms them into a restaurant-quality bake. The golden, bubbly cheese crust hides a gooey, rich interior that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. It is a “dump-and-bake” style meal that tastes like you spent all day cooking.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: By using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken, you can cut the prep time down to just 15 minutes.
• Keto & Low Carb Friendly: This recipe is naturally high in protein and healthy fats while being low in carbohydrates, making it a hit for keto dieters without sacrificing flavor.
• Kid-Approved: The creamy cheese sauce is a great way to sneak spinach into your children’s diet.
• Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, meaning you can enjoy leftovers for lunch throughout the week.

---

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started. For the best texture, ensure your dairy ingredients are softened before mixing.

The Main Components

• Cooked Chicken Breast – 3 cups, shredded or cubed (Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here).
• Fresh Spinach – 5 cups (or 10oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry).
• Cream Cheese – 8 oz, softened to room temperature.
• Mayonnaise – 1/4 cup (adds tang and creaminess).
• Sour Cream – 1/4 cup (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option).
• Heavy Cream – 1/4 cup (helps thin the sauce slightly).
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced.
• Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup, grated.
• Mozzarella Cheese – 1 1/2 cups, shredded (divided).
• Red Pepper Flakes – 1/2 tsp (optional for a kick).
• Salt & Black Pepper – To taste.
• Olive Oil – 1 tbsp (for sautéing spinach if using fresh).

---

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach

If using fresh spinach, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and squeeze it tightly in a kitchen towel to remove all water. Excess water is the enemy of a creamy casserole!

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, heavy cream, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Fold the cooked chicken and the prepared spinach into the cream sauce mixture. Stir until the chicken and spinach are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir in half (3/4 cup) of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Step 6: Broil (Optional)

If you prefer a darker, crispier cheese crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning!

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

---

Tips for the Best Chicken Casserole

Avoid Watery Casserole: The most common mistake with spinach dishes is excess moisture. If using frozen spinach, you must wring it out completely. If using fresh spinach, sauté it first and drain the liquid.

Cheese Matters: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own block of mozzarella yields a smoother melt and better flavor.

Add-Ins: Want more texture? Add chopped artichoke hearts, crispy bacon bits, or sliced mushrooms to the mix before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and filling, so light sides work best. Pair it with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli.
• Cauliflower rice (to keep it low carb).
• Garlic bread (if you aren’t counting carbs!).

Storage and Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.