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

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.
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.
Add Chicken and Spinach: Gently fold shredded chicken and chopped spinach into the cream mixture, ensuring even coating and distribution.
Transfer Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to a smooth surface.
Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the surface completely for a rich cheese layer.
Breadcrumb Crunch: Evenly distribute breadcrumbs over the mozzarella to add a golden, crunchy topping once baked.
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.
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