Creamy, Cheesy, and the Ultimate Comfort Food Bake 🧀🍗🌿
🏡 Introduction: A Hug in a Casserole Dish
If you’ve ever craved something creamy, cheesy, and soul-warming after a long day, then this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is about to become your go-to comfort food. It’s cozy enough for chilly nights, easy enough for weeknight dinners, and delicious enough to serve to guests at brunch or potlucks. 🍽️
With shredded chicken, tender sautéed spinach, and a velvety cream cheese sauce all baked under a blanket of golden melted cheese—this dish brings flavor and nourishment to the table in every bite.
The best part? It’s keto-friendly, freezer-friendly, and kid-approved. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it all down!
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup, all the flavor!
- ✅ Comforting & hearty: Cream cheese makes it ultra-rich and creamy.
- ✅ Customizable: Add mushrooms, bacon, or rice to make it your own.
- ✅ Make-ahead friendly: Store in the fridge or freeze for later.
- ✅ Low carb & protein-packed: A great option for keto or gluten-free diets.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this casserole creamy, savory, and totally addictive:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 6 oz fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped mushrooms 🍄
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes 🌶️
- Chopped cooked bacon 🥓
- 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (for warmth)
Pantry Seasonings:
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how you make it — in just 6 simple steps.
🔥 1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish (8×8 or 9×9 works well).
🧅 2. Sauté the Spinach and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in the spinach and sauté until wilted (or just warmed through if using frozen). Set aside.
🍗 3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Softened cream cheese
- Sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Cooked chicken
- Spinach mixture
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning)
Mix until well combined and creamy.
🥘 4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top. Add crushed red pepper or extra parmesan if desired.
⏲️ 5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispier top (optional but delicious).
🌿 6. Cool, Garnish & Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil for color and freshness.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
- Serve it with a side salad 🥗 or roasted vegetables.
- Add garlic bread or dinner rolls for a comforting carb boost.
- Great with a light soup on chilly nights.
- Can be scooped into wraps or over rice for next-day lunches!
🧊 How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer Instructions:
- Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it.
- Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating:
- Microwave single portions for 1–2 minutes.
- Or reheat in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Shortcut alert: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Low-carb: Skip the rice or pasta sides — it’s rich enough!
- Cheese swaps: Try gouda, Monterey Jack, or fontina for a new twist.
⭐️ Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I made this last night with leftover rotisserie chicken and it was incredible! Even my picky 8-year-old asked for seconds.” — Sarah G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I doubled it and froze half for later — reheated beautifully. A new family favorite!” — Jordan M.
📷 Want to Share It?
Don’t forget to snap a photo of your finished dish and tag #heartykitrecipes or share it on Facebook or Pinterest — we LOVE seeing your creations! 🥰📸
📌 Save or Share This Recipe!
✨ Perfect for meal preppers
✨ Easy enough for beginners
✨ Satisfying enough for Sunday dinner
Pin it, print it, or share it — just don’t forget to make it!