A Warm and Hearty Dish for Any Occasion
There’s something magical about a warm, creamy casserole straight out of the oven. It fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma, warms your soul, and brings people together at the dinner table. If you’re looking for a wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful dish, this Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole is the perfect choice.
This dish combines tender rotisserie chicken, nutritious spinach, and fluffy rice with a rich, cheesy sauce that will make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this delicious and comforting casserole in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Minimal prep time, and the oven does most of the work.
✅ Rich & Creamy – The perfect blend of cheese, milk, and seasonings.
✅ Nutritious & Balanced – Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach.
✅ Family-Friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.
✅ Great for Leftovers – Even better the next day!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooking spray | As needed |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp |
| Yellow onion (finely chopped) | 1 ½ cups |
| Garlic (thinly sliced) | 6 cloves |
| Dried Italian seasoning | 2 tsp |
| Crushed red pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Kosher salt | 1 ¾ tsp (divided) |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Whole milk | 2 ½ cups |
| Chive & onion cream cheese | 4 oz |
| Rotisserie chicken (shredded) | 4 cups |
| Cooked long-grain white rice | 3 cups |
| Frozen chopped spinach (thawed, drained) | 2 packs (10 oz each) |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon zest | 1 tsp |
| Part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 8 oz |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ¼ cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Adjust the oven rack to the upper third position.
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish evenly with cooking spray.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Cook while stirring frequently until the onions become soft and translucent (about 4 minutes).
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook for 3 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
4. Add the Cheese & Main Ingredients
- Stir in the cream cheese and the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Mix until the cheese melts and creates a smooth sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
Now, gently fold in:
✔️ Shredded rotisserie chicken
✔️ Cooked white rice
✔️ Drained spinach
✔️ Fresh lemon juice & lemon zest
Mix until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Spread it out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake Until Bubbly
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.
7. Broil for a Golden Finish
- Switch the oven to broil.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.
8. Rest & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy your Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole with a fresh salad or garlic bread!
Best Side Dishes to Serve with This Casserole
Looking to round out your meal? Here are some perfect side dish pairings:
🥗 Garden Salad – A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing adds freshness.
🥖 Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Roasted or steamed broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
🍷 White Wine – A glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy flavors.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This casserole makes great leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage
- Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Casserole
✔️ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Lemon – It adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness.
✔️ Let the Casserole Rest – This helps the flavors meld together before serving.
✔️ Customize It – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Use 5-6 cups of fresh spinach, cook it down, and drain excess liquid before adding it to the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Cooked brown rice or quinoa makes a great high-fiber alternative.
4. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.
5. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
6. Can I add extra protein?
Yes! Try adding cooked sausage, turkey, or shrimp for a different twist.
Final Thoughts – Make This Comforting Casserole Tonight!
This Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this rich and cheesy casserole is sure to become a favorite.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and make this amazing casserole tonight! Your taste buds will thank you.
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Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole – A Comforting Family Favorite
Description
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole to bring everyone to the table! This Creamy Chicken & Spinach Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender chicken, nutritious spinach, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal-prepping for the week. Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—this casserole will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- Cooking spray (as needed)
- 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 (optional)
- 1 ¾ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 4 oz chive & onion cream cheese
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 2 packs (10 oz each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 8 oz shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the oven rack to the upper third position.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ¾ tsp salt.
- Cook until onions soften, about 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until thickened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in cream cheese and the remaining 1 tsp salt until smooth.
4. Combine the Main Ingredients
- Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in:
✔️ Shredded rotisserie chicken
✔️ Cooked white rice
✔️ Drained spinach
✔️ Lemon juice & zest - Mix everything until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake & Broil for Perfection
- Bake for 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown.
7. Rest & Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t Skip the Lemon – It balances the richness and enhances flavor.
Let It Rest – Helps flavors meld together for the perfect bite.
Customize It! – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor.
