Name: Chicken Spinach Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!); 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained); 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat); 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (optional, for a heartier casserole); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for crunch); 1 tablespoon butter, melted

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Chicken Spinach Casserole

Chicken Spinach Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach, all baked together in a cheesy casserole. This meal is a great way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dinner with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare a meal ahead of time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a complete, one-pan meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. The combination of chicken and spinach, along with the creamy sauce and melted cheese, makes this casserole incredibly satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, and it can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
1 1/2 cups cooked rice (optional, for a heartier casserole)

For the Topping (optional):

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for crunch)
1 tablespoon butter, melted

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

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the Chicken Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, chopped onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until everything is well mixed.
If you’re using rice, stir in the cooked rice to the mixture for added heartiness.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer the chicken and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
If you’re adding the breadcrumb topping, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole for a crunchy topping.

4. Bake:

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy. If you want the top extra crispy, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

5. Serve:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetable!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cook time is 30 minutes, so total time is around 40 minutes.

Variations

I like to:

Add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers to the casserole for more flavor and texture.
Use cream of chicken soup instead of cream cheese for a different creamy base.
Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Add a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce for extra heat.

Chicken Spinach Casserole

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the day before and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan sour cream and plant-based cheese.

Can I add pasta to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can mix in cooked pasta for a heartier dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Spinach Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. The creamy, cheesy sauce ties together the tender chicken and spinach, making it a family-friendly dinner option that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to satisfy.