Description
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting and delicious main course featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of cheeses baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines creamy soup, sour cream, and fragrant herbs for a satisfying weeknight dinner that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Optional Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta or rice
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked spinach mixture, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. If using, fold in the cooked pasta or rice evenly into the mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy golden crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to let the flavors meld and the dish set.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to add extra protein and a tangy flavor.
- This casserole works wonderfully with leftover turkey as a tasty alternative to chicken.
- If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture and avoid a watery casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
