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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: A Comforting One-Dish Wonder

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and bursts of vibrant spinach in every bite. This irresistible one-dish meal fuses classic French-inspired techniques with homey, crowd-pleasing flavors, ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. In this guide, you’ll master every step to assemble and bake a show-stopping casserole that’s as effortless as it is delicious.

Why This Casserole Shines

Ultimate Comfort: The smooth, cheesy sauce envelopes every ingredient.
One-Dish Convenience: Prep, bake, and serve from a single pan.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters adore the creamy blend.
Adaptable: Swap cheeses, greens, or add-ins to suit your taste.

What Makes It “Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole”

At its core, this casserole features:

Tender Chicken – Seasoned, shredded or cubed for even cooking.
Luscious Sauce – Built on a béchamel sauce basics foundation using butter, flour, and milk enriched with cheeses and cream cheese (béchamel sauce basics).
Vibrant Spinach – Wilted just enough to retain bright color and flavor.
Cheesy Topping – A golden blanket of mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gruyère that melts and browns to perfection.

Together, these components create a casserole that’s more than the sum of its parts—a truly creamy chicken and spinach casserole experience.

Essential Tools & Equipment

9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ensures even heat distribution.
Saucepan: For crafting the silky sauce.
Mixing Bowls: One for sauce, one for chicken & spinach.
Whisk & Wooden Spoon: For smooth, lump-free sauce.
Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping chicken and aromatics.
Optional: Immersion blender if you prefer an ultra-smooth sauce.

Ingredients

Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g total), cooked and shredded or diced
Spinach
- 300 g fresh spinach (or 227 g frozen, thawed and thoroughly drained)
Butter & Flour (Roux base)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Creamy Sauce
- 500 mL whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 113 g (4 oz) cream cheese, diced
Cheeses
- 200 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella
- 50 g (½ cup) freshly grated Parmesan (or Gruyère)
Aromatics & Seasoning
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Topping
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (to toss with breadcrumbs)

Baked creamy chicken and spinach casserole with golden melted cheese topping

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prep & Cook Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Pan-sear on medium heat, about 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Rest, then shred or dice evenly.

2. Wilt the Spinach

In the same pan, add a touch of butter and sauté minced garlic.
Add spinach, stirring until just wilted.
Transfer to a bowl and squeeze out any excess moisture.

3. Build the Creamy Sauce

Roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Milk Addition: Gradually whisk in milk or half-and-half until thickened.
Cheese & Cream Cheese: Stir in diced cream cheese until smooth, then fold in shredded cheeses.
Season: Add Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Assembling & Baking

Layering
- In the baking dish, combine shredded chicken and spinach.
- Pour the hot sauce evenly over the mixture.
Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella.
- Finish with a dusting of Parmesan or Gruyère for that golden crust.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until sauce bubbles and top is golden.
- If desired, broil for 2–3 minutes to deepen the color.
Rest & Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes to set.
- Slice into portions and serve straight from the dish.

Variations to Elevate

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or use a cornstarch slurry.
Low-Carb/Keto: Omit any breadcrumb topping; load up on extra cheese.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu.
Flavor Twists:
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for brightness.
- Add cooked mushrooms for earthiness.
- Swirl in pesto for herbaceous flair.

Make-Ahead, Freezing & Storage

Make-Ahead: Assemble casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake directly from fridge, adding 5–10 extra minutes.
Freezing:
- Cover assembled casserole tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight before baking.
Reheating:
- Oven: 175 °C (350 °F) for 15–20 minutes covered, then uncover to crisp the top.
- Microwave: 2–3 minutes per portion, stirring halfway.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Sides:
- Crusty garlic bread or herb focaccia.
- Simple mixed-green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted root vegetables for added color.
Drinks:
- A crisp Chardonnay or light-bodied red wine.
- Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?
- Yes! Thaw, drain, and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
How do I prevent a runny casserole?
- Ensure spinach is well-drained and sauce is thick before baking.
What other cheeses work well?
- Cheddar, Fontina, or a smoky Gouda each bring unique character.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
- Absolutely—use two baking dishes or a larger casserole pan.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
- Yes—make ahead, portion, and refrigerate for quick dinners.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
- Layer ingredients, cook on low for 3–4 hours, then add cheese and cook until melted.
How do I shred chicken easily?
- Use two forks to pull meat apart or toss cooked chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low for 30 seconds.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out?
- Cover with foil and heat in the oven, or add a splash of milk before microwaving.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Conclusion

Whether you’re seeking a fuss-free weeknight meal or a satisfying crowd-pleaser for gatherings, this creamy chicken and spinach casserole delivers on flavor, texture, and comfort. With endless variations, gluten-free, vegetarian, or flavor-boosted riffs, you can tailor it to any occasion. Give this recipe a try, share your twists in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more irresistible one-dish wonders!