Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese is a delicious, creamy, and satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Juicy chicken, tender spinach, and a rich cream cheese sauce are baked together for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly good.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board and knife
Spatula

Overview of Ingredients

Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal.
Spinach – Use fresh spinach for the best texture, or frozen if thawed and drained.
Cream Cheese – The base of the creamy sauce.
Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and a smooth texture.
Shredded Mozzarella – Provides a melty, cheesy topping.
Garlic – For added flavor.
Seasonings – A blend of salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika enhances the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken
Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Set aside.

Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until smooth.

Layer the Casserole
Spread 4 cups of fresh spinach evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Lay the seared chicken breasts on top of the spinach. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

Use Frozen Spinach: If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before adding it to the dish.
Add Veggies: Mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
Make It Keto: Pair this casserole with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a low-carb meal.
Chicken Alternatives: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option.

What to Serve with Chicken and Spinach Casserole

This casserole pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables also make great side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. If using pre-cooked chicken, skip the searing step and reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups fresh spinach
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Sear in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Layer spinach in the baking dish, top with chicken, and spread the cream cheese mixture over the top.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese, a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious!