(Cheesy, Creamy Comfort Food, No Guilt)
This spinach chicken casserole is the epitome of comfort food, with creamy cream cheese, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly tender chicken, all baked together with spinach for a healthy touch. It’s an easy one-dish meal that will please the whole family!
Recipe Overview
- Category: Casserole / Main Course
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal
- Protein per Serving: ~30g
- Carbs per Serving: ~8g
- Fat per Serving: ~25g
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover works great)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized casserole dish (9×9 or similar) with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spinach
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped fresh spinach for 2–3 minutes until wilted. You can add a small splash of water to help it cook down. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Chicken and Spinach
Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked spinach, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish
Transfer the chicken and spinach mixture to your greased casserole dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
6. Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Add Breadcrumbs for Crunch
Top with breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping. Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up during baking.
8. Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
9. Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Macro | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Carbs | ~8g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugar | ~3g |
Tips & Tricks
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It makes this dish so much faster to prepare and gives it extra flavor.
- Frozen Spinach: If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen works just fine! Just thaw and drain it well before using.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble this casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the veggie content.
Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Low-Carb Option | Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or just top with extra cheese. |
| Keto-Friendly | Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream, add more cheese and use a low-carb crust topping (like crushed pork rinds). |
| Vegetarian | Omit the chicken and add a mixture of other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and artichokes for a veggie version. |
| Spicy | Add jalapeños or red chili flakes for an extra spicy kick. |
| Cheesy | Add extra layers of mozzarella and cheddar for a super cheesy casserole. |
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Pair with a light salad like arugula or spinach to balance the richness.
- Low-Carb Dippers: Serve with celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a low-carb option to scoop up the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re not worried about carbs, serve with a side of garlic bread to scoop up the cheesy goodness.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes from frozen.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Caption Ideas for Social Media
Hook:
- “Chicken. Spinach. Cheese. What more do you need? This casserole is everything!”
Captions:
- Comfort Food at Its Best:
“Spinach, chicken, and a ton of cheesy goodness — this spinach chicken casserole is a game-changer. A dinner the whole family will love.” - Easy Weeknight Winner:
“Busy night? Make this simple, cheesy casserole and watch everyone go back for seconds.” - Perfect Make-Ahead:
“Make ahead, bake when you’re ready. This is the meal prep hero your week needed.” - Low-Carb Comfort:
“All the cheesy, creamy comfort food without the carbs. This spinach chicken casserole is a low-carb dream come true.” - Family Dinner:
“I love making this casserole for family dinners. It’s so easy to make, and everyone loves it.”
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! Swap the cream cheese and mozzarella for dairy-free versions (like vegan cream cheese and shredded plant-based cheese).
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and shred it before adding it to the casserole mixture.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the veggie content. Just sauté them before adding to the casserole.
Q: Can I use cooked chicken breast instead of shredded chicken?
A: Yes! Just chop or slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add them to the casserole.
💡 Final Thoughts
This Spinach Chicken Casserole with Cream Cheese and Mozzarella is a great option for dinner, meal prep, or even a special family gathering. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with protein, making it perfect for satisfying your hunger and cravings without feeling weighed down.