Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Best

Creamy chicken and spinach casserole is the kind of dish that instantly makes a meal feel complete. Rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying, this casserole combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a velvety cream sauce baked together until bubbling and golden. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and wholesome, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or make-ahead meals.

What makes this casserole stand out is its simplicity. Using familiar ingredients and straightforward techniques, it delivers big flavor without complicated steps. The creaminess comes from a combination of dairy elements that melt together smoothly, while spinach adds color, freshness, and balance to the richness of the dish. Chicken provides protein and substance, turning this casserole into a filling main course that doesn’t need much else alongside it.

This recipe is designed to be reliable and adaptable. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breasts, the result is consistently creamy and comforting. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Why Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Works So Well

Casseroles are beloved because they bring everything together in one dish, and this one is no exception. Chicken and spinach are a classic pairing, and when combined with a creamy sauce, they create layers of flavor and texture that feel both indulgent and balanced.

This casserole works because:

• Chicken stays tender and juicy in the sauce
• Spinach adds freshness and color
• The creamy base binds everything together
• Cheese adds richness and structure
• Baking deepens flavor and texture

It’s a dish that feels comforting without being heavy, thanks to the contrast between creamy sauce and leafy greens.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• Fresh spinach
• Unsalted butter
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional additions include mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring until smooth and thickened.
6. Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
8. Stir in cooked chicken and fresh spinach, cooking just until spinach wilts.
9. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
11. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

A comforting baked casserole made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 460

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Skillet
• Casserole dish
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Sauté onion and garlic in butter.
2. Whisk in flour, milk, and cream to form sauce.
3. Melt in cream cheese and season.
4. Stir in chicken and spinach.
5. Transfer to dish, top with cheese, and bake.

Notes

Let rest briefly before serving for best texture.

Texture and Flavor Breakdown

This creamy chicken and spinach casserole delivers layers of comfort in every bite. The chicken remains tender and moist, coated in a rich sauce that clings without being overly thick. Spinach softens into the dish, providing gentle bitterness that balances the creaminess. The cheese topping melts and browns slightly, adding a subtle crisp contrast to the creamy interior.

The garlic and onion build a savory base, while Italian seasoning adds warmth without overpowering the dish.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Spinach Casserole

• Use cooked chicken to save time
• Let the sauce thicken before baking
• Season gradually and taste as you go
• Don’t overbake to keep chicken tender
• Let the casserole rest before serving

Variations and Add-Ins

Extra Cheesy: Add more mozzarella or a blend of cheeses
Low-Carb: Serve as-is or with cauliflower rice
Pasta Bake: Stir in cooked pasta before baking
Mushroom Lover’s: Add sautéed mushrooms
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes

Serving Suggestions

Creamy chicken and spinach casserole pairs well with:

• Steamed rice or mashed potatoes
• Pasta or egg noodles
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls
• Simple green salad

It’s a versatile main dish that fits many meal plans.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. It also freezes well once baked and cooled. Leftovers reheat smoothly, maintaining their creamy texture without drying out.

Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite

This recipe checks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, easy, and dependable. It’s a dish that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight. The balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and spinach makes it appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Once you add it to your rotation, it quickly becomes one of those recipes you return to again and again.