There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a bubbling, golden-topped casserole from the oven, especially on a chilly evening. This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole recipe is the very definition of that feeling. It’s a dish that wraps you in a warm hug, combining tender pieces of chicken and vibrant spinach in a luxuriously rich and savoury cream cheese sauce. Friends always ask me for this recipe after trying it at dinner parties, and I’m always thrilled to share it. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for guests but is straightforward enough for a Tuesday night.

What makes this particular chicken casserole stand out is the balance of flavours and textures. The sauce is velvety without being heavy, seasoned with just the right amount of garlic and a hint of nutmeg that really makes the spinach sing. We then top it with a generous layer of mozzarella and cheddar that melts into a gloriously cheesy crust. This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a go-to recipe in my household that consistently delivers on comfort and taste.

It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a hearty, low-carb meal, making it a fantastic keto dinner option. It works wonderfully for a family meal, a cosy dinner for two with leftovers for lunch, or as part of a potluck spread where it always disappears first. We’ll walk through every step together to ensure your casserole comes out perfectly every single time.

Recipe Overview

This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole recipe delivers a rich, savoury dish where tender chicken and earthy spinach are enveloped in a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce. From my experience, the key is to not rush the sauce; letting it gently simmer allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. The result is a deeply comforting meal with a gorgeous, cheesy topping that everyone seems to love.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Rich and Savoury Flavour: The combination of full-fat cream cheese, double cream, and Parmesan creates a wonderfully decadent sauce, perfectly complemented by sautéed garlic, onion, and fresh spinach.
• Comes Together in About 40 Minutes: This is a brilliant recipe for those evenings when you want something substantial and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• A Truly Flexible Recipe: You can easily adapt this dish. Try adding sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some warmth, or swap the cheddar for Gruyère for a nuttier cheese topping.
• Great for Meal Prep: This spinach chicken dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for preparing lunches for the week ahead. The flavours often taste even better the next day.
• Family Tested and Approved: This is one of those rare dishes my entire family agrees on. It has the comforting appeal that kids enjoy and the sophisticated flavour that adults appreciate.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

⏱️ 15 min prep  •  🍳 40 min cook  •  👥 6 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, using good quality, full-fat dairy is key to achieving that signature creamy texture. I always reach for Philadelphia full-fat cream cheese; I find it melts the most smoothly and gives the sauce a perfect consistency. Gather these ingredients before you begin.

• 900g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5cm (1-inch) cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 250g fresh spinach
• 225g full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 120ml double cream
• 60g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 150g grated mozzarella cheese
• 50g grated mature cheddar cheese

Sophia’s Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start will help it melt seamlessly into the sauce without any lumps.

How to Make This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

The process for this spinach chicken casserole is quite straightforward. We’ll start by searing the chicken to build flavour, then create the creamy sauce in the same pan before bringing everything together to bake into bubbly, cheesy perfection.

1. Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Lightly grease a 2.5-litre (or 9×13 inch) baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage. I find that getting a good sear on the chicken is crucial for flavour. Transfer the browned chicken to your prepared baking dish.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in handfuls. It will look like a lot, but it wilts down significantly. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until all the spinach has wilted. Drain off any excess liquid that has been released.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, double cream, and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and combined. Stir in the dried oregano, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Combine and Bake: Pour the creamy spinach sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Gently stir to ensure all the chicken is coated.
7. Add the Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips From My Kitchen

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, make sure it’s in a single layer. This allows it to sear properly rather than steam, creating that lovely golden crust which adds so much flavour to the final dish.
• The Secret to a Non-Watery Casserole: Squeeze it out! After wilting the spinach, press it against the side of the pan with a wooden spoon to drain as much water as possible. I learned that excess moisture is the number one enemy of a thick, creamy sauce in any spinach chicken recipe.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step), cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at 160°C until warmed through.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch (or 2.5-litre) baking dish
• Large oven-safe skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about a chicken casserole is how easily you can customise it. Here are a few variations we’ve tried and loved:

• Add a Little Spice: For a gentle warmth, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic. For more of a kick, you could also add some chopped jalapeños.
• Introduce More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, or even sun-dried tomatoes make wonderful additions. Add them to the sauce along with the spinach.
• Change the Protein: This recipe works beautifully with leftover shredded rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep time. You could also try it with cooked turkey breast or even pork tenderloin. For another hearty casserole idea, check out my Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe.

What to Serve With This Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe

This dish is quite rich and satisfying on its own, especially if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet. However, here are a few of my favourite pairings:

• Steamed Green Beans: A side of simple, crisp-tender green beans with a squeeze of lemon offers a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Cauliflower Rice: To soak up all that delicious sauce while keeping things low-carb, fluffy cauliflower rice is an excellent choice.
• Crusty Bread: If you’re not concerned about carbs, a slice of warm, crusty sourdough is absolutely essential for mopping up every last bit of the sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the cream sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole

A rich and comforting casserole featuring tender chicken and fresh spinach in a velvety cream cheese and Parmesan sauce, baked with a golden mozzarella and cheddar topping.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 670

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 900 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5cm (1-inch) cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 250 g fresh spinach
• 225 g full-fat cream cheese softened
• 120 ml double cream
• 60 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 150 g grated mozzarella cheese
• 50 g grated mature cheddar cheese

Method

 

1. Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Lightly grease a 2.5-litre (or 9x13 inch) baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. The chicken doesn't need to be cooked through at this stage. I find that getting a good sear on the chicken is crucial for flavour. Transfer the browned chicken to your prepared baking dish.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in handfuls. It will look like a lot, but it wilts down significantly. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until all the spinach has wilted. Drain off any excess liquid that has been released.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, double cream, and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and combined. Stir in the dried oregano, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Combine and Bake: Pour the creamy spinach sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Gently stir to ensure all the chicken is coated.
7. Add the Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve this keto-friendly casserole on its own, or with cauliflower rice. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole as much as my family and I do. It’s a reliable, satisfying recipe that brings a little bit of luxury to the dinner table any night of the week. If you try it, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below – I love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
– Sophia Martinez