Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s practically like hugging in the kitchen. I love comfort food and it’s my go-to when the weather turns chilly. Warm and satisfying. What is cheesy goodness with tender chicken and vibrant spinach, all baked to bubbly perfection? How do you make a good Chicken Pot Pie?Chicken spinach casserole.Is its even easier, weeknight-friendly cousin, and trust me, it’s just as delicious. What is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles?
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What is chicken spinach casserole?
Simply put, chicken spinach casserole is a baked dish that combines cooked chicken, fresh or frozen spinach, and a creamy sauce, often made with cheese, cream of mushroom soup, or a béchamel sauce. It’s essentially a deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie without the fussy crust, making it a breeze to whip up. Some versions include rice or pasta, but my family prefers it without, letting the chicken and spinach really shine. Think of it as a super comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. It’s basically a flavor explosion in every bite!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Alright, let me count the ways I adore this recipe! Firstly, the flavor is incredible. The combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and slightly earthy spinach is a match made in heaven. Then, there’s the simplicity. This recipe is so easy to make, even on the busiest of nights. Seriously, it’s faster than ordering takeout! What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time and costs, and spinach is a nutritional powerhouse that’s also easy on the wallet. Plus, it’s super versatile. You can add different veggies, swap out cheeses, or even top it with breadcrumbs for extra crunch. It’s also far healthier than those frozen casseroles you find at the store. If you’re a fan of dishes like creamy Chicken Alfredo or even a good old-fashioned mac and cheese, this chicken spinach casserole is bound to become a new favorite. Honestly, my kids ask for this at least once a week!
How do I make a chicken spinach casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this chicken spinach casserole is seriously a snap. Basically, you’ll be cooking the spinach, whipping up a creamy sauce, combining everything with cooked chicken, and baking it until it’s bubbly and golden. The beauty of this method is that it’s forgiving and easily adaptable to what you have on hand. Don’t have cream of mushroom soup? No problem! I’ll show you how to make a quick béchamel. This recipe is truly foolproof, so don’t be intimidated. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Casserole: What
What is the creamy sauce?
- 2 tablespoons butter. 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This is
- 2 cups milk (I’ve used unsweetened almond milk and it works great)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
What are the main ingredients in a
- 1 tablespoon olive oil per 1 cup.
- 1 medium onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove of
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (make sure you really squeeze out all the excess).
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend).
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1 cup shredded Par
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko bread crumbs add a nice crunch)
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter. 1 tablespoon of
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What should I do first, preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always grease it, even if it’s non-stick, just to be extra safe. Do you want all that cheesy goodness to stick to the bottom?
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you cook garlic?
Step 3: Sauté Spinach
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it’s heated through. This helps evaporate any remaining moisture and intensifies the flavor. I always taste it at this stage and add a little salt and pepper if needed. Why not add a pinch of red pepper flakes?
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. What is the best way to thicken your sauce? Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Remove the creamy sauce from the heat. Stir in the cooked spinach mixture, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
How do I spread the spinach mixture in a baking dish?
Step 7: Add Topping (Optional)
If you’re using breadcrumbs as a topping, combine the breadcrumb topping and melted butter in sifted bowl. Set aside. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole. I sometimes skip this step if I’m short on time, and it’s still delicious!
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping (if using fresh fruit) is browned. Is it golden brown? Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure the breadcrumbs don’t burn.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken up. Serve warm! What is a good side dish for chicken spinach casserole?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good Side Dishes to serve with chicken spinach casserole?
For a Light Lunch: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole.
For a Cozy Dinner: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. The roasted veggies add a nice textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
For a Potluck: Bring along some crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up all that delicious sauce.
For a quick addition: A simple fruit salad would be good too. It is so versatile so enjoy with whatever you want.
I personally love serving it with a side of steamed Green Beans and a slice of crusty bread for dipping. My family also enjoys it with a simple side salad. Honestly, it’s so filling that you don’t need much else!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Spinach Casserole
Okay, here are some of my tried-and-true tips for making the *best* chicken spinach casserole:
Spinach Prep: Make sure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the thawed spinach. I usually wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out. Excess water will make your casserole watery, and nobody wants that!
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would be delicious in this casserole. I sometimes use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan for extra flavor.
Creamy Sauce Consistency: If your creamy sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue cooking it for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
Chicken Variations: You can use any type of cooked chicken in this recipe. Leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even canned chicken will work. Just make sure it’s shredded or cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the casserole and bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil.
Spice it up: If you want to add a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
Taste as you go: Always taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
Remember that time my casserole came out soupy? I forgot to squeeze out the spinach! It was still edible, but definitely not as enjoyable. Learn from my mistakes, my friends!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: You can leave cooked chicken spinach casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can also portion it into individual servings for easy reheating. Frozen casserole will last for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Methods: To reheat refrigerated casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in individual servings. To reheat frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed above.
I usually store leftovers in individual containers for easy lunches during the week. And trust me, it tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to chicken spinach casserole recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, this is it! I hope you give it a try and make it your own. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. Both are equally delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. I’d love to hear your tips and variations, too!
Savory Mushroom and Thyme Chicken Bake: 5 Chef's Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs about 2 pounds
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and melt. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating with the sauce. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Gruyere cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
