Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole combines tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and a rich, velvety sauce into one delicious dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving wholesome comfort food, this casserole delivers both nutrition and satisfaction in every bite.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of lean protein, healthy greens, and creamy sauce creates a balanced meal that appeals to both adults and children. The casserole can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy families, and it’s easily customizable to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences.

Essential Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 3 large chicken breasts, cooked and diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cream Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Vegetables:

  • 2 packages (10 oz each) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Required Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

  1. If starting with raw chicken:
  • Cut chicken into even pieces
  • Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
  • Heat olive oil in skillet
  • Cook until golden and done
  • Let cool slightly before dicing
  1. If using pre-cooked chicken:
  • Dice into bite-sized pieces
  • Season if desired
  • Set aside

Making the Cream Sauce

  1. Start the base:
  • Melt butter in saucepan
  • Sauté onions until translucent
  • Add garlic, cook until fragrant
  1. Create the roux:
  • Add flour to butter mixture
  • Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes
  • Gradually add broth while whisking
  1. Finish the sauce:
  • Pour in cream and milk
  • Add thyme and nutmeg
  • Simmer until thickened
  • Stir in cheeses until melted

Preparing the Spinach

  1. Thaw and drain spinach:
  • Squeeze out excess moisture
  • Chop if needed
  • Season with salt and pepper
  1. If using additional vegetables:
  • Sauté mushrooms until golden
  • Cook bell peppers until tender
  • Set aside

Assembly and Baking

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
  2. Layer the casserole:
  • Spread half the sauce in baking dish
  • Add chicken layer
  • Spread spinach and vegetables
  • Pour remaining sauce over top
  1. Prepare topping:
  • Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan
  • Stir in melted butter
  • Sprinkle over casserole
  1. Bake:
  • Cover with foil
  • Bake 25 minutes
  • Remove foil
  • Bake 10-15 minutes until golden

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Spinach Preparation:
  • Drain thoroughly to prevent watery casserole
  • Chop if leaves are too large
  • Season well before adding
  1. Sauce Consistency:
  • Keep heat moderate to prevent curdling
  • Whisk constantly while thickening
  • Use room temperature dairy products
  1. Make-Ahead Tips:
  • Prepare components in advance
  • Assemble just before baking
  • Adjust baking time if cold

Storage and Reheating

Storage Options:

  • Refrigerate up to 4 days
  • Freeze unbaked up to 3 months
  • Freeze baked up to 2 months

Reheating Guidelines:

  • Cover with foil when reheating
  • Add splash of milk if needed
  • Heat until completely warm

Variations and Substitutions

Healthier Version:

  • Use milk instead of cream
  • Reduce cheese amount
  • Add more vegetables
  • Use whole wheat breadcrumbs

Different Greens:

  • Fresh spinach (wilted)
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Mixed greens

Protein Options:

  • Rotisserie chicken
  • Turkey
  • Shrimp
  • White fish

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

  • Green salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Crusty bread
  • Rice or quinoa

Garnishes:

  • Fresh herbs
  • Extra Parmesan
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Lemon wedges

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Watery Casserole:

  • Drain spinach thoroughly
  • Thicken sauce properly
  • Don’t overcrowd dish

Dry Casserole:

  • Add more sauce
  • Don’t overbake
  • Cover while reheating

Uneven Cooking:

  • Cut ingredients uniformly
  • Rotate dish while baking
  • Check oven temperature

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings together protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness in one satisfying package. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this versatile casserole is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.