Easy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese

Okay, mamas, let’s talk about dinner! How many of you are staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering what in the world you’re going to feed your crew? I’ve been there more times than I can count! That’s why I’m SO excited to share one of my family’s all-time favorites: Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese.

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is pure comfort food, but it’s also packed with sneaky veggies (hello, spinach!) that even my pickiest eater doesn’t complain about. I remember the first time I made it. It was a rainy Tuesday, the kids were bouncing off the walls, and I was desperate for something easy and satisfying. I threw this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese together, and it was a total game-changer.

Seriously, friends, this isn’t just a recipe, it’s a sanity-saver. This creamy chicken spinach bake fits perfectly into our hectic family life because it’s quick to prep, uses ingredients I usually have on hand, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you give this easy chicken casserole a try. Trust me, you’ve got this! 💪

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, dreamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. Don’t worry if you need to make a few swaps. I’m all about using what you have to minimize those last-minute grocery store runs!

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is your friend!)
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works too!)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for topping)

No worries if you don’t have sour cream. I use Greek yogurt all the time in my Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese because it’s what I usually have in the fridge. You can grab most of these ingredients at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run!

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese doesn’t have to break the bank. Frozen spinach is a great budget-friendly option and works just as well as fresh in this recipe. For ingredient prep shortcuts, I often buy pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.

Here’s a Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese trick that saved my sanity: I often double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal. Just thaw it overnight and bake as directed. My family loves when I add extra cheese on top for that ultimate gooey, cheesy goodness! Trust me, this chicken spinach cream cheese recipe ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! These step-by-step instructions for this easy chicken casserole are written like we’re doing this together, okay? Don’t be intimidated!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is key so the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese doesn’t stick.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, thawed and squeezed spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined. Make sure that cream cheese is nice and softened.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasonings. I usually add a little extra garlic powder because my family loves it.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This creamy chicken spinach bake is already looking delicious, right?
5. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese. I sometimes use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor.
6. If using, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the cheese. This adds a nice crunchy topping, but it’s totally optional.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese should smell amazing by now!
8. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This lets the casserole set up a bit, making it easier to serve.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese—I wouldn’t squeeze enough water out of the spinach! Make sure you really squeeze it dry, or your casserole might be too watery. Don’t panic if your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese looks a little uneven before baking. It all comes together in the oven.

In my chaotic kitchen, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese usually takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake. While your Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Perfect time to fold that laundry pile. 😉

How We Love to Eat This!

Now for the fun part – eating! This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a winner in our house, and I’ve found a few ways to make it even more appealing to the kiddos (and myself!).

The kids devour this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese when I serve it with a simple side salad and some garlic bread. The garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce!

This spinach chicken bake is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when everyone is running in different directions. It’s also great for potlucks because it’s easy to transport and always a hit. I love making this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese for friends because it’s such a comforting and satisfying meal.

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. It makes the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese look a bit fancier, even though it’s super simple to make. We always have leftovers, and they’re just as good the next day! I often pack them in the kids’ lunchboxes or enjoy them for my own lunch.

I’ve also tried a few seasonal variations of this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. In the fall, I add a little bit of butternut squash puree to the mixture for a sweeter flavor. It’s delicious! My husband loves when I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese reminds me of another family favorite.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese. I’ve heard it all, and I’m here to help!

• Can my picky eater handle this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese? This depends on your picky eater, but the cream cheese and cheese sauce can mask the spinach flavor! You can also chop the spinach very finely or even puree it if you’re really worried.
• What if I burn my Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) We’ve all been there! If the top is getting too brown, you can cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes of baking. If it’s already burned, carefully remove the burned parts and salvage what you can.
• Can I make this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese ahead for meal prep? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, you can. You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Sauté it until wilted, then squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the casserole.
• What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use Neufchâtel cheese or a mixture of ricotta cheese and sour cream.
• Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers would all be great additions to this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese.
• What if I don’t have bread crumbs for the topping? No problem! You can use crushed crackers, potato chips, or even just extra shredded cheese.

Remember, this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is all about making it work for your family. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese.

Final Thoughts:

This Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese isn’t just a recipe for me. It’s a symbol of those nights when I needed a quick, easy, and comforting meal that would please everyone at the table. It’s special because it’s a reminder that even in the midst of the beautiful chaos of family life, we can create moments of connection and joy around a shared meal. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta.

My Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Mom Hacks:

• Rotisserie Chicken Rescue: Always keep a rotisserie chicken on hand for those nights when you’re short on time. It’s a lifesaver!
• Sneaky Veggie Boost: Add a handful of finely chopped or pureed vegetables to the casserole for an extra nutritional boost.
• Double Batch Bliss: Make a double batch and freeze half for a future meal. You’ll thank yourself later!

Family-Tested Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese Variations:

• Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add buffalo sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese for a spicy twist.
• Broccoli Cheddar Casserole: Replace the spinach with broccoli and use cheddar cheese. My son loves this version!
• Mexican Chicken Casserole: Add black beans, corn, and salsa for a fiesta-inspired casserole.

I hope you give this Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese a try and make it your own. Don’t strive for perfection – just aim for a delicious and satisfying meal that your family will love. You’ve got this, mama! 💪

And lastly be sure to check out other great recipes, like the Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese, the EASY Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Recipe, and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts!

If the taste of this dish inspires you to try new recipes, here’s another idea you can try, just visit: Pretzel Crusted Chicken

 

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