Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Bake
If there’s one casserole that checks every comfort-food box, it’s this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese. It’s warm, rich, cheesy, loaded with protein, and unbelievably easy to prepare. With tender pieces of chicken, silky ribbons of spinach, and a luxuriously creamy sauce made from cream cheese, broth, garlic, and melted mozzarella, this is the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes indulgent but requires minimal effort.
Whether you’re craving a hearty, cozy casserole, trying to use leftover chicken, or simply want a simple oven-ready dish the whole family will devour, this recipe delivers. It’s become a top favorite for busy households because it’s reliable, versatile, comforting, and incredibly delicious.
This dish is also naturally low-carb, making it friendly for anyone eating gluten-free or keto-style — but it’s still beloved by everyone because it’s creamy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
In this full guide, you’ll learn everything you need to make the perfect chicken and spinach casserole: ingredient breakdowns, substitutions, variations, cooking tips, storage methods, and more.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
- Cream cheese creates ultra-smooth creaminess
- Spinach adds color and nutrients without overpowering
- Easy enough for weeknights
- Perfect for leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken
- Can be made low-carb, keto, or family-style
- Bakes into a golden, cheesy top layer that everyone loves
This casserole feels indulgent but uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken
Use cooked shredded or cubed chicken:
- rotisserie chicken
- leftover baked chicken
- poached chicken breasts
Spinach
Fresh spinach is ideal because it maintains color and has better texture. Frozen spinach works too — just squeeze out excess moisture.
Cream Cheese
The star ingredient. It melts into the broth to create the silky, rich sauce.
Broth
Chicken broth thins the cream cheese into a sauce while adding flavor.
Garlic & Onion
Aromatic base that balances the richness.
Mozzarella Cheese
Melts beautifully and browns perfectly on top.
Seasonings
Simple pantry seasonings like:
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- garlic powder
They emphasize the natural flavors without overwhelming.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 4 cups cooked cubed or shredded chicken
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup cooked drained frozen spinach)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a medium baking dish. - Sauté aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and cook until soft. Add garlic and stir 1 minute. - Melt cream cheese:
Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until a smooth sauce forms. - Season:
Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder. - Add spinach:
Stir in spinach until wilted (or stir in thawed, drained frozen spinach). - Add chicken:
Fold in cooked chicken and 1 cup mozzarella. - Transfer:
Pour mixture into a baking dish. - Top with cheese:
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella. - Bake:
Bake 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly. - Serve:
Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm.
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole With Cream Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté diced onion until soft.
- Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese and broth, stirring until smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Fold in cooked chicken and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley.
Notes
Tips for the Creamiest, Tastiest Casserole
1. Use softened cream cheese
Cold cream cheese becomes lumpy — softened cream cheese melts smoothly.
2. Don’t add too much broth
You want creamy, not watery.
3. Use FRESH spinach if possible
Better texture and color.
4. Add cheese halfway through for extra browning
Makes a crispier top.
5. Make it a meal prep superstar
This casserole reheats beautifully.
Variations
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Spinach Casserole
Add cooked crumbled bacon.
Creamy Alfredo Chicken Spinach Bake
Replace broth with 1/2 broth + 1/2 heavy cream.
Add Parmesan.
Southwest Chicken Spinach Casserole
Add:
- cumin
- chili powder
- pepper jack cheese
- corn/black beans
Italian Spinach Chicken Bake
Add:
- Italian seasoning
- sun-dried tomatoes
- mozzarella + parmesan
Low-carb / Keto Version
Use no noodles, rice, or pasta (this recipe already fits perfectly!).
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- rice
- mashed potatoes
- roasted vegetables
- pasta
- garlic bread
- salad
Or keep it low-carb by serving alone.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate:
3–4 days.
Freeze (before or after baking):
Up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) or use microwave for single servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes — just drain it very well.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Neufchâtel works for a lighter version.
Can I add pasta?
Yes — stir in cooked noodles before baking.
