Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner hero! This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is the very definition of cozy comfort food-it's bubbling, golden, and loaded with juicy chicken, tender spinach, and melty cheese in every bite.

What makes this casserole so magical? Think wonderfully creamy sauce, savory seasonings, a hint of garlic, and a golden cheese crust-all whipped up in under an hour and baked to perfection.

It's a must-try for anyone who loves a fuss-free meal that tastes like it came from grandma's kitchen. Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for potlucks or an easy family favorite for a Tuesday night, this casserole never lets you down!

This is my personal go-to for chilly evenings or when I want something hearty but simple. A dreamy classic you'll crave again and again.

Creamy spinach chicken casserole baked to golden perfection

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in under an hour-minimal prep and oven does the rest
Super creamy and cheesy with juicy chicken and wholesome spinach
Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers
Versatile and easy to customize with veggies, cheeses, or toppings

Key Ingredients for Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breast

Lean, tender chicken breast is the star of this casserole, providing hearty protein in every forkful. For convenience, use boneless, skinless pieces-just dice them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. You can also swap in rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken for an even quicker meal, but be mindful that already-cooked chicken may need less time in the oven.

Fresh Spinach

Spinach gives this dish a nutritious boost, plus vibrant color and subtle earthy flavor. Fresh baby spinach wilts perfectly in the casserole, but thawed frozen spinach (well-drained and squeezed dry) works too. If using frozen, make sure to eliminate excess water to keep your sauce creamy, not watery!

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese creates an ultra-rich, velvety base for the sauce. For easiest blending, let it soften to room temperature before mixing. You can substitute Neufchâtel for a slightly lighter version, or even use a plant-based cream cheese if you want a dairy-free option.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella brings the gooey, melty element everyone's looking for in a casserole. Shred your own for best melting (pre-shredded can be convenient but sometimes contains anti-caking agents that affect texture). For flavor variety, try a blend with cheddar or fontina.

Heavy Cream

This makes the sauce extra luscious and decadent. You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter option, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. For a non-dairy version, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well without adding too much coconut flavor.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole cooking process

Instructions for Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sauté the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, then season with half the salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until chicken is golden and no longer pink. Remove to a clean plate-don't worry if it's not fully cooked through; it will finish in the oven!

Wilt the Spinach & Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pile in the fresh spinach, and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. It's okay if it looks like a lot at first; spinach shrinks as it cooks!

Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, the rest of the salt and pepper, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir constantly until everything has melted together and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the sautéed chicken evenly in a lightly greased 9x13-inch (or similar) casserole dish. Pour the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese on top. If you love a crunchy topping, toss panko with the melted butter and scatter over the casserole.

Bake Until Bubbling & Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is beautifully golden. For an extra golden top, switch to broil in the last 2-3 minutes-but keep an eye on it!

Serve & Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan if desired. Dig in while it's piping hot and extra melty!

Recipe Variations

Swap Out the Greens

No spinach? No problem! Try this casserole with chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. Just be sure to saute heartier greens a bit longer to fully soften them.

Make It Gluten-Free

Leave out the panko topping or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a deliciously gluten-free main dish. All other ingredients should be safe, but double-check your cheese labels.

Add More Veggies

Want even more nutrition? Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli florets before baking. This is a great way to clean out your veggie drawer!

Low-Fat Option

For a lighter dish, swap the cream cheese for reduced-fat cream cheese and use half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream. It will still be wonderfully creamy!

Spice It Up

If you love a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the creamy sauce before baking. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole hot and fresh from the oven with a crisp side salad and a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like garlic green beans or honey-glazed carrots are excellent alongside. Garnish with fresh parsley or snipped chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave on medium power until heated through, or cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. The casserole can also be frozen (fully baked and cooled) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?

A: Absolutely! Simply shred or chop the cooked rotisserie chicken and fold it into the sauce and spinach before baking. Reduce the bake time by a few minutes since the chicken is already cooked.

Q: How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: Yes! Substitute plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy cream (such as coconut or oat), and your favorite vegan mozzarella and Parmesan. The result will still be luscious and satisfying.

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is true comfort made easy-rich, cheesy, and welcoming. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and sure to become a repeat on your dinner table. If you try it, please leave a comment or rating below-I love hearing how it turns out for you!