Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Nothing says comfort like a warm, creamy chicken and spinach casserole bubbling fresh from the oven. When I first created this recipe, I was craving something hearty yet fresh, packed with flavor but smooth and indulgent. This casserole delivers all of that and more, with spinach adding a subtle earthiness that cuts through the richness just right. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to pull together for both a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering. Trust me, once you make this creamy chicken and spinach casserole, it’ll become your go-to dish anytime you want a satisfying, soulful meal.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: Why It Works & Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional for extra heartiness)

Here’s why this recipe works so well: starting with butter instead of oil creates a richer base for the creamy sauce, giving it that silky mouthfeel we all crave. The flour acts as a thickener, which is essential for holding the filling together during baking. I love using a mixture of milk and heavy cream—milk keeps it light, while cream ensures that luscious, velvety texture.

Sharp cheddar brings a nice tang and meltability, while Parmesan adds a salty, umami punch that deepens the flavor profile. Fresh spinach is the secret weapon here—it adds color, freshness, and a subtle vegetal note that balances the creamy richness perfectly. Plus, the protein-packed chicken makes this casserole filling and keeps it on the healthy side of indulgence. The optional rice or pasta helps stretch the dish for feeding extra hungry crowds.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

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Savor the rich taste of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole a comforting meal that solves dinner dilemmas with ease and flavor

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1.5 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Keep stirring until it smooths out and thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the shredded cheddar and half the Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and combined. Season the sauce with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

Fold in the cooked chicken and spinach. If using, stir in cooked rice or pasta. The spinach will wilt slightly from the warm sauce.

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

A warm, creamy chicken and spinach casserole that is hearty, fresh, and packed with flavor. Perfect for weekday dinners or weekend gatherings, this comforting dish combines silky sauce, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh spinach for a soulful meal.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux. This is crucial; don’t rush it, as it helps thicken the sauce without lumps.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Keep stirring—it will look a bit curdled at first, but keep going until it smooths out and thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the shredded cheddar and half the Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and combined. Season the sauce with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Fold in the cooked chicken and spinach. If you’re adding rice or pasta, stir it in now. The spinach will wilt slightly from the warm sauce.
7. Pour this mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help everything set.

You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen as this bakes—the blend of melting cheese, garlic, and the earthy spinach is absolutely mouthwatering.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: Tips for Success

• Use fresh spinach: Frozen spinach can release too much water and make the casserole soggy. If you must use frozen, be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
• Don’t skip the roux step: Cooking the flour with butter until bubbly helps avoid a raw flour taste and ensures your sauce thickens nicely.
• Allow the casserole to rest: This small pause lets it firm up so you can slice it cleanly instead of it falling apart on the plate.
• Add seasoning gradually: Since cheeses add saltiness, taste your sauce before adding extra salt—you can always add more later if needed.
• Cook the chicken ahead: Using leftover roasted or poached chicken saves loads of time and infuses great flavor.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: Storage & Reheating

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring gently between rounds to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out.

You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover it with foil at first to keep moisture in, then remove it for the last 5 minutes if you want to refresh that golden cheese topping.

This casserole freezes well too. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating using the methods above.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: FAQ

Can I use a different green instead of spinach?

Absolutely! Kale or Swiss chard can work if chopped small and lightly sautéed before adding. Just be mindful these greens have a stronger flavor and tougher texture than spinach, so adjust cooking times accordingly.

What if I’m lactose intolerant?

You can swap regular milk and cream for lactose-free or plant-based alternatives like oat milk or coconut cream. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute but expect some variation in creaminess and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You could also stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein. Make sure to use vegetable broth if you add any liquids.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Double-check your cheese labels to ensure they are gluten-free too.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

These numbers are approximate and can vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes. The casserole is fairly high in protein and fat due to the chicken and cheeses, making it filling and perfect as a stand-alone meal.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: Final Thoughts

Making this creamy chicken and spinach casserole feels like wrapping yourself in a big, tasty hug after a long day. It’s rich, comforting, and fresh all at once, and best of all, pretty flexible for whatever leftovers or pantry staples you have on hand. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own. Drop a comment below if you try it or want to swap in your favorite add-ins—I love foodie chats!