Chicken Casserole with Spinach

Chicken Casserole with Spinach

Warm, comforting portion of a baked dinner with a crispy top

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Creamy chicken breasts, spinach, garlic, and melty mozzarella come together in this comforting chicken casserole with spinach.

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This chicken casserole with spinach didn’t start with a craving—it started with chaos. I was juggling a million things, the fridge was looking sad, and I had two chicken breasts, a block of cream cheese, and spinach that was practically begging not to be thrown out. I threw them in a casserole dish, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.

You know when something just works—even when you totally wing it? That was this. It’s not fancy, it’s not fussy, but oh man, it’s good. And over the years, it’s become a bit of a comfort blanket for me. There’s something kind of grounding about pulling this creamy, garlicky chicken out of the oven after a long day.

Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Casserole with Spinach Recipe?

Look, I love a good ambitious dinner… sometimes. But most nights? I just want something that tastes like effort without actually requiring much. That’s what this recipe gives you.

You’ve got juicy baked chicken, a garlic-forward cream cheese spread (yes, please), sautéed spinach for a little health flex, and melted mozzarella on top like a big, cheesy exclamation mark. No weird ingredients. No “wait, I need to marinate this for 24 hours?” nonsense.

Plus, it reheats like a dream. If there are leftovers (big if), they’re even better the next day.

Warm, comforting portion of a baked dinner with a crispy top

Ingredient Notes:

I’m not here to tell you there’s only one way to make a chicken casserole with spinach. That’s the magic of it—it adapts to real life. Here’s what I used, and why I think it works:

  • Chicken breasts – I slice ‘em in half lengthwise. It’s faster, they cook more evenly, and it kind of feels like you’re getting more for your money.

  • Garlic – Fresh is great, but I’ve definitely used the jarred kind when I’m in a rush. No shame.

  • Olive oil – Just enough to carry flavor and keep things from sticking.

  • Red chili flakes – A tiny bit of heat to cut the richness. It’s not spicy-spicy, promise.

  • Italian seasoning – Honestly? It’s just whatever blend I’ve got from the store. Don’t overthink it.

  • Cream cheese – Go full-fat if you can. That velvety texture is worth it.

  • Spinach – Fresh is fab. Frozen works too, just squeeze out the water or it gets a little swampy.

  • Mozzarella – Melty, stretchy, a little browned on top? Chef’s kiss.

Comfort food-style bake with a rich top layer and visible vegetables

How To Make Chicken Casserole with Spinach?

So let’s walk through this thing. You don’t need to be a pro. You just need a casserole dish, a bit of trust, and maybe a glass of wine while it bakes. (Highly recommended.)

Step 1: Preheat that oven.
Crank it up to 400°F so it’s ready when you are. Nothing worse than forgetting to preheat, right?

Step 2: Toss your chicken in a bag with flavor.
Slice the breasts lengthwise so you’ve got four thinner pieces. Drop them in a zip-top bag with olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Give it a shake like you mean it. Let it sit while you get the other bits ready—ten, fifteen minutes is enough.

Step 3: Lay it out.
Grab your casserole dish. Arrange the chicken inside. Don’t worry if it’s not Instagram-perfect. We’re going for delicious, not staged.

Step 4: Slather on cream cheese.
This part’s messy, and that’s okay. Two ounces per chicken piece. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers (I’ve done both), and spread it on top.

Step 5: Wilt that spinach.
Throw it in a skillet for a few minutes with a little oil or butter. You want it just soft, not mushy. Layer it on top of the cream cheese.

Step 6: Mozzarella magic.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over each piece. Be generous. Cheese isn’t a place to cut corners.

Step 7: Bake.
Pop it in the oven. Twenty to thirty minutes later, you’ve got bubbling, browned cheesy goodness and perfectly cooked chicken underneath. Trust your nose—it’ll tell you when it’s done.

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Baked creamy dish topped with melted cheese and bits of green vegetables

Storage Options:

Let it cool completely, then toss it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven if you want that cheese to crisp again, or microwave it for the lazy-but-still-delicious version.

Freezer? Yep, you can freeze it. But just know the texture might shift a little when you thaw and reheat. Still tastes good, just a bit less creamy.

Variations and Substitutions:

  • Thighs instead of breasts? Yes, absolutely. They stay super juicy.

  • Swap the cheese? Try provolone or gouda for a smoky vibe.

  • Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes? I’ve done both, and honestly… chef’s kiss.

  • No Italian seasoning? Use oregano and basil. Or just salt and pepper if that’s all you’ve got.

  • Low-fat cream cheese? It works. Not quite as lush, but still satisfying.

Golden, bubbly serving of a hearty oven-baked meal on a white plate

What to Serve with Chicken Casserole with Spinach?

You don’t need much on the side, but if you’re feeling fancy (or hungry):

  • Garlic bread – To soak up the melty cheesy bits. Always a yes.

  • Roasted veggies – Brussels sprouts, carrots, zucchini. Whatever’s in season.

  • Mashed potatoes – For the cozy crowd.

  • Simple salad – Something crisp and citrusy to lighten things up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for a day. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready. Might need an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven if it’s cold.

Is it low carb or keto?
For sure. No pasta, no breadcrumbs. Just protein, cheese, and veggies.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You’ll need a bigger dish (or two). The more the merrier, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Close-up of cheesy casserole layers with visible greens and tender pieces

This Chicken Casserole with Spinach has saved my dinner plans more times than I can count. It’s easy, comforting, and just a little indulgent. And the best part? You can totally make it your own.

So go ahead—give it a try. Change it up. Make it messy. Make it yours. And when you do? Come back and tell me how it went. I’m all ears.

Real food, from one imperfect kitchen to another.

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Pin this recipe!

Remember it later!

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

Pin this recipe!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Baked creamy dish topped with melted cheese and bits of green vegetables

Chicken Casserole with Spinach

This rich and creamy Chicken Casserole with Spinach features seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sautéed spinach, and melted mozzarella—perfect for an easy yet satisfying meal.
Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Place the four halved chicken breast pieces into a zip-top bag. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Seal the bag securely and toss gently to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade. Allow the chicken to rest for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Prepare the Casserole Dish

  1. Remove the marinated chicken from the bag and arrange the pieces in a baking or casserole dish in a single layer.

Apply the Cream Cheese

  1. Spread 2 ounces of cream cheese evenly over the top of each chicken piece. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure full coverage.

Wilt the Spinach

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the spinach in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until just wilted. Remove from heat and layer the wilted spinach evenly over each chicken breast.

Add the Cheese Topping

  1. Sprinkle approximately 1 ounce of shredded mozzarella over each chicken piece, ensuring even distribution for a uniform melt.

Bake the Casserole

  1. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 20–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, provided that all ingredients—particularly the cream cheese, seasoning blends, and shredded mozzarella—are confirmed to be certified gluten-free. Always check labels to avoid additives or hidden gluten in processed items.
Bitty

 

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Hi, I'm Bitty!

I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

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