This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is a cozy dish that’s packed with flavor. With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich sauce, it warms you up inside!
If you’re like me, you might sneak a spoonful or two before serving. 🤫 It’s the perfect comfort food, and it’s simple to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy a hearty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease, but any leftover cooked chicken works too. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or a meat substitute like tofu.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, but if it’s not available, frozen spinach is great too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid too much moisture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Store-bought helps save time, but you can make your own using mushrooms, broth, and cream if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk with mushroom broth.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for something lighter. Make sure to choose plain yogurt for the best flavor match.
Cheese: Mozzarella provides great meltiness, but feel free to mix it up with cheddar or gouda. Parmesan can be swapped for Pecorino Romano to add a sharper flavor.
How Do You Properly Sauté Spinach?
Sautéing spinach is quick! First, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute. Then, toss in the fresh spinach.
- Cook until just wilted, usually 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, just heat through for a minute or two.
- Make sure to stir often to avoid burning the garlic.
- This technique enhances the flavor, making the spinach a perfect base for your casserole.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the spinach)
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional, for a heartier dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a busy day or family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and rise beautifully.
2. Prepare the Spinach:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until you can smell the garlic. Now, toss in the fresh spinach and cook it until it’s wilted (if using fresh) or just heated through (if using frozen). Once it’s ready, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a moment.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian herbs (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you want to make this dish heartier, mix in the cooked rice or pasta as well. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and pour your delicious mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so it cooks nicely in the oven.
5. Add Cheese Topping:
This is the best part! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of your casserole, creating a cheesy, gooey finish when it bakes.
6. Bake:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
7. Serve:
Once it’s done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken and spinach casserole warm, and share with family or friends for a lovely mealtime!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole. You can do this by letting it sit in the fridge overnight or microwaving it in a bowl until thawed, then squeezing out the extra water before mixing it into your casserole.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Yes, you can! For a homemade version, mix together 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth with 1-2 tablespoons of flour to thicken it, adding seasonings as desired. Alternatively, you could use cream of chicken or even a dairy-free option if you’re looking for a different flavor or dietary needs.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. To keep it from drying out, you might want to cover it with foil while reheating.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrients. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the garlic before mixing them into the casserole. Adjust cooking times accordingly for any vegetables that need longer to soften.
