Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

Name: Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: cooking spray; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 ¾ teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups whole milk; 4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese; 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice; 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Recipe

Ingredients:

Cooking spray
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cups chopped yellow onion
6 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
4 ounces chive and onion cream cheese
4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and place the rack in the upper third position of the oven. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, dried Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and become translucent, about 4 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually add the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture slightly thickens, about 3 minutes.
Add the cream cheese and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Continue stirring until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked rice, thawed spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Switch to broil mode and broil the dish for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and slightly browned.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 482
Total Fat: 25g (33% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 10g (52% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 177mg (59% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1065mg (46% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 20g (7% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 7g
Protein: 44g (89% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 7mg (8% Daily Value)
Calcium: 459mg (35% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (11% Daily Value)
Potassium: 617mg (13% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is easy to prepare and offers a comforting blend of chicken, spinach, and rice, all topped with melted cheese. Its the perfect dish for a busy weeknight meal!

History and Origin

The origins of casseroles are somewhat ambiguous, as the concept of combining ingredients into a single, baked dish dates back to ancient cooking methods. However, the modern casserole, particularly those made with a creamy base, likely evolved in the 20th century in North America. The chicken and spinach casserole is a fusion of American comfort food with ingredients like chicken, spinach, and cheese, which became popular in the post-World War II era when convenience cooking and one-dish meals gained prominence. Casseroles like this one provided an easy way for busy families to make a filling and nutritious meal.

Regional Variations

In the United States, the chicken and spinach casserole is commonly prepared in various regions, but the exact ingredients and preparation methods can differ based on local preferences. For instance, in the Southern states, this dish might be made with a combination of chicken and spinach, seasoned with southern-style spices like paprika and thyme. In other regions, such as the Midwest, more cheese or a creamy mushroom soup might be incorporated into the sauce. The use of rice as a base is typical in many casseroles, though some variations might substitute with pasta or potatoes depending on whats available or preferred locally.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Chicken and spinach casserole stands out from other similar dishes like chicken Alfredo casseroles or spinach and artichoke dips due to its unique combination of flavors and textures. While chicken Alfredo casseroles often feature pasta and a creamy sauce with Parmesan and mozzarella, the spinach casserole includes rice and a base made with cream cheese, offering a lighter, slightly tangier flavor. Additionally, unlike spinach and artichoke dip, which is typically a dip served as an appetizer, the casserole is a full meal that incorporates protein (chicken), vegetables (spinach), and carbohydrates (rice), making it a more substantial dish suitable for dinner.

Where is it Typically Served?

Chicken and spinach casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in many different settings. It is often featured in family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings due to its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd. It is also commonly found on the dinner table for busy weeknights, especially when time is short but a hearty, comforting meal is needed. Some people also serve it as a main dish at casual dinner parties or as part of a larger buffet-style meal, pairing it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.

Interesting Facts

The use of cream cheese in this casserole gives it a smooth and creamy texture, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy rich, comforting foods.
Spinach, a key ingredient in this casserole, is known for its high vitamin K content and its ability to help strengthen bones and reduce inflammation.
Rotisserie chicken is often used in this recipe to save time, making it a great choice for quick weeknight meals when you're short on time.
The combination of spinach and chicken in this casserole is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal with lean protein and leafy greens, making it a healthy choice for many home cooks.

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FAQ about Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. After assembling it, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then follow the baking instructions. If baking from frozen, you may need to increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes.

Store leftover Chicken and Spinach Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. You will need about 8 cups of fresh spinach to replace the 2 (10-ounce) packages of frozen spinach. Be sure to cook the spinach down to release excess moisture before adding it to the casserole mixture.

If you prefer a lighter option or don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. For a richer flavor, you can also use mascarpone cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream.

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

This casserole is not low-carb due to the rice. To make it more suitable for a low-carb diet, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or another low-carb alternative.

To make the casserole spicier, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add other spicy ingredients like chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses. If you don't have mozzarella or Parmesan, you can try using cheddar, gouda, or provolone. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may change the flavor and texture slightly.

Yes, this casserole can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken. You could replace it with additional vegetables or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

Comments

pomplemousse

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Not bad. Very creamy, which isn't my favorite but hubs likes creamy dishes and it sounded intriguing, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Until I realized (after taking everything out of course) that I didn't have enough cream cheese for a full or even a half recipe. :( So I improvised and made a roux to compensate. It made for a very runny but good casserole. I actually liked it a lot, despite the runniness and the cream. I'll have to try it again when I have the correct amount of cream cheese. Thanks for the recipe.

Choco Lady

01/10/2021 12:45:37 AM

This was great! But I made some modifications. I used a food processor to shred the spinach. I also added diced potatoes to the casserole. To make the sauce, I made the addition of an onion and diced celery, sautéed them over medium heat and then added garlic. Then I added the rest of the ingredients for the sauce including the cream cheese and brought the whole pot to a boil. When it was thick enough I poured it over the casserole. Then I covered and baked for 2 hours. Came out delicious!

Deane Karstaedt

08/06/2023 09:48:28 PM

Made it tonight with some changes. First, I used thin cut breasts instead of cubing it to save some time and I think was nice because it came out more like a main part of a meal instead of casserole. I used whipped cream cheese with chives to speed up this step. I had some cooked bacon strips that I added on top of the chicken, and it added a nice smoky element to the dish. With all that cheese and now the bacon, I didn't add any salt, but I did add some red pepper flakes which gave it a little kick. Really liked it!

Lisa

08/03/2021 04:48:09 PM

I used tostissere chicken, garlic herb seasoning, added in some artichokes and red pepper flakes, and about 15 minutes after cooking I mixed it slightly and added a handful of cheese. It was absolutely PERFECT and a huge hit. I served it with some left over cheesy polenta that I fried, but it would of been great with some pasta. I am not sure what it turned out too runny for some people. I also increased the cooking temperature.

KBONDY

12/16/2020 05:29:05 PM

Iwas in a hurry and used well drained canned chicken and well drained frozen spinach and halved the recipe, but, yes, soupy! This time I used noodles and it made a nice dinner, though we try to stay away from carbs, which is why I liked this recipe. Next time I believe I will try the eggs idea. Two cups of broth or stock and 2 pkgs cream cheese - just too soupy. But flavorful

Jes Arwine

01/16/2016 06:15:14 PM

We really enjoyed this recipe. The only thing I will change next time is I'll add more spinach and probably some fresh parm cheese. I also made some egg noodles and put this over the top of the pasta.

jodie84124

06/10/2024 01:43:03 AM

I made a 1/2 recipe as there’s just two of us and I had a 1/2 rotisserie chicken. I also used fresh spinach and a package of quinoa/brown rice I’d recently bought. It was a little dry but good flavor. I think I’ll make it again and make a bit more sauce. Delicious!

Bridget Richard

10/09/2018 01:12:01 PM

There were no leftovers! I made a couple of changed based on what I had on hand, but otherwise followed it to the tee. (I used a half cup of parmesan instead of mozzarella and teaspoon of italian seasoning instead of marinating) I will be making this again and this time I will have everything on hand to follow the recipe exactly.

lenal-runnebaum

09/16/2024 01:02:15 AM

Cook rice first!!! Family loved it! Made as directed. Next time I might add broccoli florets and more red pepper. I think adding mushrooms would be amazing! Sadly I'm the only one in my family that likes them. **My daughter is a vegetarian so I made hers without chicken and added nutritional yeast. She loved it!

David Jones

05/11/2025 10:59:19 AM

Even my dog seemed impressed (almost).

Sarah Rodriguez

05/02/2025 09:54:31 PM

Honestly shocked how delicious this was.

Mara Knox

03/21/2025 09:30:51 AM

Not as creamy as I expected. I bought extra cream cheese but decided against using it as there was also parmesan and mozz in the recipe. The flavor was very much lacking. It pretty much tastes like nothing and I seasoned the heck out of it.

HappyBao4458

03/18/2025 08:17:29 AM

Surely when friends visit!

Cynde

03/31/2024 10:56:44 PM

I cut the recipe in half and used my own poached chicken. Otherwise, I followed the recipe pretty closely. It was delicious! Will definitely try this again.

Lindy Sohn

03/11/2024 01:35:38 PM

This one is a definite keeper.

Ita

02/22/2024 06:28:11 PM

A great way to use up leftover roast chicken on a Monday night and get the kids to eat their greens! No changes!

hounds808

12/21/2023 01:32:23 PM

Overall good flavor but a little bland, I will try adding bacon next time I prepare.

pbcbears

07/05/2022 03:40:26 PM

Family loved this casserole. Finally, an easy change from tetrazzini. Made it exactly pepr recipe. Needs DEEP dish. Helen

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Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

Recipe

History and Origin

Regional Variations

Differences from Similar Dishes

Where is it Typically Served?

Interesting Facts

FAQ about Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe