This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Using rotisserie chicken, chive and onion cream cheese, and perfectly melted mozzarella, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of flavors. The addition of spinach sneaks in a nutritious element, making it a well-rounded dinner for the whole family. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare! With minimal effort, you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole on the table in just 45 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with a side salad or warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 ¾ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 3 cups long-grain white rice, cooked
- 2 packages (10 oz each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the upper third. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ¾ tsp salt. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are soft.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk while stirring to create a smooth, thickened mixture (about 3 minutes).
- Add cream cheese and the remaining 1 tsp salt, stirring until fully melted. Remove from heat.
- Stir in shredded chicken, cooked rice, drained spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 8
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
There are countless reasons to love this creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole. Here are just a few:
1. It’s Quick and Easy to Make
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. By using rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked rice, you cut down on prep time significantly. With just 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking, you can have a hot and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
2. A Perfect Balance of Creaminess and Nutrition
While many creamy casseroles lean heavily on dairy and cheese, this one strikes a nice balance with nutrient-rich spinach. Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber, making this dish both comforting and nourishing.
3. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for leftovers. You can prepare a large batch, store it in the refrigerator, and enjoy it over the next few days. It also freezes well, so you can make it in advance and have a homemade meal ready whenever you need it.
4. Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
If you struggle to get your kids to eat vegetables, this casserole is a great solution. The creamy cheese sauce masks the spinach, making it more palatable for picky eaters. The familiar flavors of chicken and cheese make this dish a kid-friendly favorite.
5. Versatile and Easy to Customize
You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have in your pantry or dietary preferences. Whether you swap out the cheese, add more vegetables, or use a different protein, this dish is highly adaptable to your taste.
Ways to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is how easy it is to customize. Here are some variations you might want to try:
1. Swap the Protein
Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can substitute the shredded chicken with:
- Turkey: A great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Ham: Adds a slightly smoky flavor.
- Ground Turkey or Beef: Cook and season before adding to the casserole.
- Tofu or Chickpeas: A vegetarian-friendly option.
2. Change Up the Greens
While spinach is a classic choice, you can experiment with other leafy greens:
- Kale: Slightly more robust in texture but equally nutritious.
- Swiss Chard: Adds a slightly earthy flavor.
- Broccoli or Cauliflower: If you prefer a chunkier texture, these vegetables work well.
3. Try Different Cheeses
Mozzarella and Parmesan create a classic, melty topping, but you can change it up with:
- Cheddar: For a sharper, bolder taste.
- Gouda: Adds a smoky flavor.
- Swiss: Melts beautifully and has a mild nutty flavor.
- Feta: For a tangy twist (works best when added after baking).
4. Make It Gluten-Free or Low-Carb
- To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or almond flour.
- For a low-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole is great for leftovers, but proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results:
Refrigeration:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- For longer storage, freeze the casserole in portions or as a whole dish.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
What to Serve with This Casserole
While this dish is delicious on its own, you can enhance the meal with a few tasty sides:
1. A Crisp Side Salad
Since the casserole is rich and creamy, pairing it with a light, fresh salad helps balance the flavors. A simple mix of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.
2. Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls
Warm, buttery bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce. Try homemade garlic bread or soft dinner rolls for an extra comforting meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables
For added nutrients and a bit of crunch, serve this dish with roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
4. A Light Soup
A warm broth-based soup like chicken vegetable soup or tomato basil soup pairs well with this rich casserole.
Conclusion:
The Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is more than just a simple weeknight meal it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and hearty ingredients make it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just craving a delicious homemade dish.
What makes this casserole truly special is its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheeses to create a dish that’s uniquely yours. Plus, the fact that it stores and reheats so well makes it a practical choice for busy households.
