Ultimate Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole: Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole is one of the most comforting and simple chicken recipes you can make at home. This dish combines tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy parmesan sauce, all baked under a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s an effortless recipe that looks impressive but requires minimal prep. Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Casserole

If you enjoy hearty, cheesy dinners that come together quickly, this recipe is for you. The combination of fresh spinach and chicken creates a flavorful, protein-packed meal, while the creamy sauce adds richness without being heavy. One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility—you can swap chicken breasts for thighs, add bacon, or even include vegetables like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts for an extra boost. It’s also keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

This casserole has become a popular dish for home cooks because it’s simple, yet so satisfying. Everything goes straight into the baking dish—no pre-cooking required—and the oven does the rest. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dinner ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick family dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen:

• Chicken breasts – Thinly sliced or halved for even cooking.
• Fresh spinach – You can also use frozen spinach, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
• Monterey Jack cheese – Provides a melty, creamy top. Feel free to substitute mozzarella or a white cheese blend.
• Creamy sauce – Made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and parmesan cheese, seasoned lightly with garlic salt and black pepper.

The combination of these ingredients ensures a creamy, flavorful casserole that’s both rich and light. The parmesan adds a nutty, savory depth, while the Monterey Jack melts beautifully for a golden crust.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 500°F. This high temperature helps wilt the spinach quickly and ensures your chicken cooks evenly under the cheese. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Stir until smooth. This will be your creamy base for the casserole, keeping the chicken juicy and the spinach flavorful.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Start by layering the fresh spinach at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the raw chicken breasts on top of the spinach. Spread the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust.

4. Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole on the bottom rack of your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, the spinach wilted, and the cheese melted and slightly browned. This method ensures the spinach doesn’t release too much liquid, keeping the casserole creamy and thick.

Best Tips for Making a Perfect Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole

• Choose the right baking dish: Use a heavy-duty casserole dish or a Dutch oven safe for high heat, as this recipe bakes at 500°F.
• Cheese selection: For a speckled, golden crust, shred a block of your favorite white cheese. Monterey Jack and Parmesan blend works beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded cheese blends that contain anti-caking agents—they don’t melt as smoothly.
• Handling fresh vs. frozen spinach: If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess liquid to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Fresh spinach may release some moisture; to counter this, consider adding a thin layer of parboiled rice or cauliflower at the bottom.
• Seasoning caution: The mayonnaise and parmesan already add salt, so taste before adding extra. A pinch of adobo seasoning or your favorite herbs can enhance flavor without oversalting.
• Serving ideas: Pair this casserole with cooked rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or low-carb options like steamed vegetables or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.

Variations to Try

• Chicken thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
• Bacon: Add cooked, crumbled bacon on top or between layers for extra flavor.
• Vegetables: Mix in cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or roasted red peppers for more color and nutrients.
• Pesto twist: Add a tablespoon of pesto to the creamy sauce for an herby, flavorful variation.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy casserole is versatile. Serve it over pasta for a comforting dinner, with steamed rice for a lighter option, or alongside a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and make a quick lunch or dinner.

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