Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Chicken Casserole combines tender shredded chicken with fresh spinach and creamy cheeses for a comforting, flavorful dish. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

A creamy baked pasta dish in a white oval baking dish shows three main layers visible at the edges: at the bottom, light yellow pasta tubes; in the middle, white shredded chicken mixed with dark green spinach leaves and creamy white sauce; on top, a thick layer of golden brown melted and slightly charred cheese sprinkled with small bits of chopped green herbs, creating a textured, bubbly surface. The dish is set on a round wooden board with blurred silver cutlery and warm wooden tones in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (organic preferred)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (low-fat works fine)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Fold in the shredded chicken and chopped spinach until everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it into an even layer using the back of a spatula.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Step 6: Distribute the breadcrumbs evenly on top of the cheese for a crispy, golden finish.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  8. Step 8: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Tips & Variations

  • For a crispier crust, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to avoid burning.
  • A splash more chicken broth can help if the casserole seems dry or not creamy enough.
  • Fold in sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes to add more flavor and texture.
  • Try swapping the breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties or crushed corn chips for different textures.
  • To avoid wilted spinach, add it just until it softens and retains its vibrant green color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave individual portions. This casserole also freezes well for 2–3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a baked pasta dish in a white ceramic baking dish shows three main layers: a bottom layer of creamy cooked pasta in pale beige, a middle layer of cooked chicken pieces mixed with dark green spinach in a white creamy sauce, and a top layer of melted golden-brown cheese with crispy browned spots and sprinkled green herbs. The surface on which the dish sits is a white marbled texture, and part of a fork is visible in the background. The dish looks rich, cheesy, and well-baked, with bubbling edges and a browned, textured top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking to keep the topping crispy.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Frozen spinach can be used, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Print
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Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella Recipe


  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A creamy and comforting Spinach Chicken Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream cheese and sour cream base, topped with mozzarella and crunchy breadcrumbs. Perfect for family dinners and easy gatherings, this recipe blends rich flavors with a golden-baked crust.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (preferably organic)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella preferred)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (low-fat optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

Seasonings & Toppings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole assembly.
  2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Chicken and Spinach: Gently fold shredded chicken and chopped spinach into the cream mixture, ensuring even coating and distribution.
  4. Transfer Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to a smooth surface.
  5. Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the surface completely for a rich cheese layer.
  6. Breadcrumb Crunch: Evenly distribute breadcrumbs over the mozzarella to add a golden, crunchy topping once baked.
  7. Bake and Brown: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
  8. Cool Down: Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheesy sauce to thicken, making it perfect for scooping.

Notes

  • Check doneness by inserting a knife; it should be hot when fully cooked.
  • For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end while watching closely.
  • Fold spinach gently to avoid overcooking and preserve flavor.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge up to 3–4 days when properly covered.
  • Assemble the casserole a day ahead; add breadcrumbs before baking.
  • If casserole is not creamy enough, add a splash more chicken broth to moisten.
  • Casserole freezes for 2–3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Use tender, not overcooked chicken to avoid dryness in the dish.
  • Enhance flavor by adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: spinach chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked chicken spinach dish, mozzarella casserole, easy chicken dinner, comfort food

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