Easy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

Whipping up a delightful chicken and spinach casserole with cream cheese promises comfort in every single bite.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly.

Creamy textures and vibrant green spinach create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this delectable dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate the rich, velvety sauce enveloping tender chicken pieces.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can craft this impressive meal in under an hour.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so easy can taste so incredibly delicious.

Chicken & Spinach Casserole: Why It’s a Weeknight Staple

• Packed with creamy textures and savory flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
• Combines lean protein from chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and satisfying dairy elements into a single, balanced meal that delivers both taste and health benefits.
• Adaptable recipe that can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, and baked when needed, solving dinner challenges for hectic schedules.

All the Good Stuff Inside Chicken & Spinach Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, bite-sized pieces that form the protein base of the casserole.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy texture and adds smoothness to the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a velvety sauce that enhances the overall flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a golden, melty topping that provides a delicious cheesy crust.

• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the spinach and adding a subtle richness.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's flavor profile.

• Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal of the casserole from the baking dish.

Chicken & Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese: How To Make

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375F (190C) and give a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray to a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the chicken pieces for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Spinach

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame.

Toss in the spinach and cook until it transforms into a soft, wilted green treasure, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Cream of mushroom soup

Whisk until smooth and dreamy.

Fold in the sautéed spinach and seasoned chicken, stirring until everything is beautifully blended.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the luscious mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Tricks for a Creamy, Flavorful Chicken & Spinach Casserole

• Chop chicken and wilt spinach in advance to save time during busy weeknights, storing prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
• Replace mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for different flavor profiles, ensuring you match the cheese's melting qualities to maintain the casserole's creamy texture.
• Skip the cream of mushroom soup and use heavy cream or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative, reducing overall carbohydrate content for keto-friendly diets.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like thyme or basil before baking to elevate the dish's aromatic complexity and add bright, fresh notes to the creamy casserole.
• Incorporate extra protein by adding cooked bacon bits or diced ham to the mixture, creating more depth and satisfying texture in each delicious bite.

Keeping Casserole Fresh: Storage and Reheating Advice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food quality.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Add extra cheese on top for extra deliciousness if desired.

Pairing Plates for Chicken & Spinach Casserole Meals

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, creamy casserole and complements the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Create Fresh Side Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness and add a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy dish.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare warm, toasted French bread or garlic baguette slices to soak up the delicious cream cheese and mushroom sauce, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• Match with Refreshing Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a cool, crunchy cucumber and dill slaw that provides a crisp texture and refreshing counterpoint to the warm, creamy casserole.

Casserole Variations: Spinach, Cheese, and More

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace chicken with cauliflower rice and use almond flour for added texture, perfect for keto dieters seeking a lighter version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream and use coconut milk soup instead of cream of mushroom, suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining protein content while creating a plant-based friendly casserole.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, making the dish safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the recipe to prevent a watery casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, and use gluten-free alternatives if needed to make the entire dish gluten-free.

• What type of chicken works best for this casserole?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are ideal. Cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken and spinach casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and earthy spinach combine for a hearty meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 454 grams)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Greens:

• 4 cups fresh spinach

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, then generously season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, gently sauté spinach until completely wilted and moisture has evaporated, approximately 3 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk softened cream cheese and cream of mushroom soup until completely smooth and free of lumps.
5. Fold sautéed spinach and seasoned chicken pieces into the creamy mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated.
6. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a complete coverage that will melt and develop a golden crust.
8. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and golden-brown cheese topping.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, satisfying texture.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and soup to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables and depth of taste.
• Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that can be reheated in minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg