This creamy spinach chicken casserole is the perfect comfort food that brings together tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cream cheese base topped with bubbly mozzarella. It’s an easy one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of creamy textures with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle over cheese layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Variations
- Broccoli Chicken Casserole – Replace the spinach with 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets for a different vegetable twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Italian-Style Casserole – Add 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and substitute half the mozzarella with parmesan cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Mushroom Spinach Chicken Casserole – Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and fold them into the mixture along with the spinach for an earthy, savory depth of flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Temperature Check – Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the center of the casserole before serving to guarantee the chicken is properly heated through.
- Cheese Distribution – Reserve some mozzarella for the top layer to create that golden, bubbly finish that makes this casserole so visually appealing and delicious.
- Prevent Overcooking – If the top browns too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil for the remaining cooking time to prevent burning while allowing the center to heat through.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Garden Salad – Serve alongside a crisp mixed greens salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread – Pair with warm, crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra creamy sauce and make it a more filling meal.
- Roasted Vegetables – Complement with roasted asparagus, green beans, or carrots seasoned with herbs for added color, nutrition, and textural contrast.
Tips
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake for stress-free meal planning.
- Proper Spinach Prep – If using fresh spinach, roughly chop it and mix it in raw as it will wilt perfectly during baking without becoming watery or overcooked.
- Cream Cheese Consistency – Let cream cheese come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing to ensure it blends smoothly without lumps throughout the casserole.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 580mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? – Yes, you can substitute with 1 cup of frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator? – This casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered in a 350°F oven.
- Can I freeze this casserole for later? – Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled unbaked casserole for up to 3 months, or freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
- What can I substitute for cream cheese to make it lighter? – You can replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or use Neufchatel cheese (1/3 less fat cream cheese) for a lighter version while still maintaining the creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food that delivers on both flavor and convenience. With its creamy, cheesy base loaded with tender chicken and nutritious spinach, it’s a complete meal that satisfies the whole family. The golden, bubbly top with crunchy breadcrumbs adds the perfect finishing touch to this hearty dish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a reliable dinner that everyone will love, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Simple to make, delicious to eat, and endlessly adaptable to your family’s preferences.
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Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy spinach chicken casserole is the perfect comfort food that brings together tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cream cheese base topped with bubbly mozzarella. It’s an easy one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of creamy textures with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle over cheese layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook chicken breasts yourself
- Fresh spinach works best, but you can substitute with 1 cup of frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, comfort food, family dinner