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

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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.