Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole Recipe

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish packed with tender rotisserie chicken, creamy chive and onion cream cheese, fresh spinach, and bubbly mozzarella. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy – made with chive and onion cream cheese and mozzarella
• Easy to make – uses rotisserie chicken for quick preparation
• Hearty and filling – packed with protein, spinach, and rice
• Great for meal prep – can be made ahead and stored easily
• Family-friendly – a dish both kids and adults will love

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole:

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 3 cups long-grain white rice (cooked)
• 2 packages (10 oz each) frozen chopped spinach (thawed and excess water squeezed out)
• 1½ cups yellow onion (chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups whole milk
• 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese

For the Topping:

• 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook the Aromatics

• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

• Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
• Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
• Stir in cream cheese, mixing until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, spinach, lemon juice, and prepared sauce.
• Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
• Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading evenly.

5. Add the Cheese & Bake

• Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
• Extra Crunch: Add a layer of buttered panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• Mushroom Addition: Sauté and mix in sliced mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual servings.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! Use 5 cups of fresh spinach, sauté it, and drain excess moisture.

2. What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?

Use leftover roasted chicken, shredded turkey, or even cooked ground chicken.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

Yes, but cook it longer as brown rice takes more time to soften.

5. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Make sure the sauce is creamy enough before baking, and cover it lightly if needed.

6. Can I add bacon?

Yes! Crumbled cooked bacon adds amazing flavor and crunch.

7. Can I use cream instead of milk?

Yes, but use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer texture.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening.

9. Can I add more cheese?

Of course! Feel free to mix in cheddar or Gouda for extra cheesiness.

10. What side dishes go well with this casserole?

Serve with a side salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is the perfect comfort food, featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese, flavorful spinach, and fluffy rice. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and great for meal prep. Try this satisfying dish today for a delicious family meal!

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