Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy chicken and spinach casserole! This dish has become a staple in my house, and for good reason—it’s incredibly easy to whip up and bursting with flavor. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce all baked together to perfection. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! My family just loves it, and I often make it on busy weeknights because it comes together in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home too!

Ingredients List

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor!)
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (feel free to pack it in for a nutrition boost!)
1 cup cream of chicken soup (this is where the creaminess comes from!)
1 cup sour cream (adds a delightful tanginess to the dish)
1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
1 cup cooked rice (brown or white works, just make sure it’s fluffy!)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for that irresistible aroma)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adds depth to the flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Now let’s dive into the deliciousness of preparing this creamy chicken and spinach casserole! The steps are super straightforward, and I promise, you’ll have it on the table in no time. Just make sure you’ve got your ingredients prepped before you start, and you’ll be golden.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your casserole to bake evenly and get all bubbly and golden!
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, and cooked rice. This is where the magic begins—mix everything together until it’s well combined. I like to use a spatula for this, but a wooden spoon works just as well!
Once everything is mixed, add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t skip the seasoning; it really brings everything to life! Give it another good stir to make sure those flavors are all mixed in.
Next, transfer that creamy mixture into a greased casserole dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but if you have a different size, just make sure it’s big enough to hold all this goodness!
Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s heated through and bubbly around the edges. The smell will have your mouth watering, I promise!
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This little rest time allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve without falling apart. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Rich, creamy flavor that’s simply irresistible.
A great way to sneak in healthy spinach without a fuss.
Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
One dish means less cleanup—yes, please!
Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day.
Kid-approved, making it a family favorite!

Tips for Success

Alright, before you dive into making this creamy chicken and spinach casserole, I’ve got some pro tips to share that will help you nail it every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.

Use leftover chicken: If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken sitting in your fridge, use it! It adds so much flavor and saves you time.
Don’t skimp on seasoning: A little salt and pepper go a long way! Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors, so taste your mixture before it goes into the oven and adjust as needed.
Experiment with cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheese! A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can add a fun twist to the flavor profile.
Pack in the spinach: Don’t be shy about adding more spinach; it wilts down significantly. The more, the merrier, especially when it comes to nutrition!
Let it rest: After baking, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. It helps everything settle and makes serving much easier.
Cover if needed: If your casserole starts to brown too much on top while baking, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning while the inside gets fully heated.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best creamy chicken and spinach casserole ever! Enjoy the cooking adventure!

Variations

Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your creamy chicken and spinach casserole! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, here are some fun ideas that will keep this dish fresh and exciting:

Different Vegetables: You can easily toss in other veggies! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or even diced bell peppers for added color and nutrients. Just make sure they’re cooked or wilted down a bit before mixing them in!
Cheese Choices: Swap out the cheese for something different! Feta cheese adds a lovely tang, or try a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. You can even mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess!
Herbs and Spices: Get creative with your seasonings! Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the flavor, while a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a delightful twist.
Grains Galore: Instead of rice, you could use quinoa or even couscous for a different texture. Just make sure they’re cooked and ready to go before adding them to the mix!
Protein Swap: If you’re not in the mood for chicken, feel free to substitute with turkey or even shredded beef. Just adjust the cooking time if you’re using raw meat!

With these variations, you can make this casserole your very own. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination! Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your creamy chicken and spinach casserole, you might be wondering how to store those delicious leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Proper storage will keep your casserole fresh and tasty for days to come.

First, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It should stay good for about 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze! For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in a baking dish (if it’s not already in one), and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through and bubbly. If you’re short on time, you can also use the microwave. Just be sure to microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Enjoy every creamy bite all over again!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this creamy chicken and spinach casserole! While I always encourage you to enjoy this dish, it’s nice to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, knowing you’re getting a hearty dose of protein and some greens makes this creamy delight even more satisfying, right? Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works great in this creamy chicken and spinach casserole. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mix, so you don’t end up with excess moisture.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free if you use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your shredded cheese is also gluten-free. Always check the labels to be safe!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance! Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven!

What can I serve with this casserole?
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a lovely dinner spread.

Can I add more protein to the casserole?
Definitely! If you want to amp up the protein, you can add in some cooked bacon, diced ham, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just mix them in with the rest of the ingredients!

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: Irresistibly Delicious Comfort

Print Recipe

A creamy chicken and spinach casserole that’s easy to make and delicious.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheese
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, spinach, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
Feel free to add other vegetables if desired.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Author: Juanita A. Smith
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: creamy chicken and spinach casserole