Delicious Chicken Spinach Casserole

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

Get a cozy meal with tender chicken breasts, a pile of leafy spinach, and a delicious blend of cream cheese and oozy mozzarella. You’ll season and quickly brown the chicken, then lay it on a bed of spinach. Next, spread on a layer of rich, garlicky cheese and scatter on plenty of melty mozzarella. Pop it in the oven until everything’s bubbling and golden. This all-in-one meal is perfect when you’ve got a crowd or want something easy midweek. After baking, let it chill out for a few minutes before grabbing a spoon and digging in.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Sat, 07 Jun 2025 14:28:01 GMT
A plate filled with chicken and spinach goodness. Save Pin
A plate filled with chicken and spinach goodness. | foodthingle.com

This chicken spinach bake with cream cheese is the cozy, creamy meal you’ll crave when time’s tight and you need something everyone actually wants to eat. Everything hangs out in a single pan, so you won’t be stuck with a sink full of dirty dishes. My crew always looks forward to this one—with juicy chicken, smooth cheesy top, and tons of flavor, it disappears fast.

The first time I whipped this up was when my sister visited and needed something without gluten. Now my family asks for it all the time, especially when we want some good comfort food.

Tasty Ingredients

  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts nicely for that stretchy cheesy bite, choose part-skim or whole milk for best results
  • Paprika: brings a bit of smokiness and kicks up the color, try Spanish or Hungarian if you can
  • Fresh spinach: makes the dish bright and gives a fresh, green flavor, find the crispest leaves
  • Cream cheese: grab full-fat for more richness, let it soften so it stirs in easier
  • Garlic cloves: a must for tons of flavor, chop them up fresh
  • Olive oil: best for crisping the chicken, go for extra virgin when you can
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: thick ones stay juicier and don’t dry out as they bake
  • Sour cream: makes it all creamy and balances the cheese, pick something good for best flavor
  • Onion powder: just a little boosts the savory notes
  • Salt: helps each bite taste its best
  • Black pepper: a bit of heat for balance, fresher the better

Simple How-To

Rest and Serve:
After baking, let everything chill for five minutes so it’s easier to scoop out and serve.
Top and Bake:
Finish off the pan with mozzarella cheese over everything, bake in your hot oven for around twenty five to thirty minutes so the chicken finishes and the cheese turns melty and browned on the edges.
Layer the Casserole:
Start with spinach spread in your dish, top with the chicken, then smooth the cream cheese blend over it all so it’s well covered.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Grab a bowl and beat together your cream cheese, a pinch of salt, softened sour cream, and minced garlic. Whisk until totally smooth—that’s key so it spreads easily.
Season and Sear Chicken:
Sprinkle black pepper, salt, paprika, and onion powder over your chicken. Get olive oil hot in a skillet, cook the chicken for about three minutes each side until golden outside (don’t worry about cooking it all the way—it’ll finish later). Searing locks in moisture and tons of flavor.
Preheat and Prep:
Fire the oven up to 375°F, grease your pan well so clean up’s a snap and the food lifts right out. This helps everything cook evenly too.
A white bowl filled with chicken and spinach. Save Pin
A white bowl filled with chicken and spinach. | foodthingle.com

Nothing beats how gooey cream cheese mixes with the savory juices from the chicken and spinach. My kids always try to snatch all the crispy cheesy edges before anyone else gets some.

Leftover Storage

Once cooled off, throw leftovers into a sealed container and pop it in the fridge—good for about three days. I think it actually tastes better the next day! Warm it up in the microwave or in the oven on low, covered, so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

Swaps and Alternatives

No chicken? Turkey cutlets work just fine. Swap in low-fat cheese and sour cream for a lighter version. No spinach? Baby kale or any dark leafy green you like will do the trick.

A casserole with chicken and spinach. Save Pin
A casserole with chicken and spinach. | foodthingle.com

What to Serve With It

This cheesy bake is filling on its own, but you can spoon it over rice or mashed potatoes if you’re hungry. A fresh salad or some roasted veggies go great with all the creamy goodness too.

A Little Background

Dishes like this creamy chicken bake come from old-school American comfort cooking. Families have made casseroles like this for decades, pulling everyone together for a simple, satisfying meal after packed days.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Will frozen spinach work instead of fresh?

Sure thing! Just thaw it and really squeeze out that extra water before adding it to your dish.

→ Can I swap out the cheese for something else?

Definitely. Give cheddar or provolone a go, or mix them with mozzarella if you’re feeling adventurous.

→ When’s the chicken ready?

It’s done when it hits 165°F (74°C) inside and the juices aren’t pink anymore.

→ Can I get this dish ready beforehand?

Yep! Put it together, stash it in the fridge, then bake it off when you’re ready to eat.

→ What’s the best way to keep leftovers?

Pop them in the fridge, covered, for up to three days. You can warm them up in the oven or in the microwave when you’re hungry again.

chicken spinach bake

Juicy chicken and cheesy spinach make this an easy, cozy bake you’ll want to whip up again and again.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
30 Minutes
Overall Time
45 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: American

Output: 4 Number of Servings

Special Diets: No Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Main Components

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
03 1/2 teaspoon paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 1 teaspoon salt
06 170 g (about 1 1/2 cups) mozzarella, shredded
07 2 garlic cloves, chopped up
08 120 ml (around 1/2 cup) sour cream
09 227 g (8 oz) soft cream cheese
10 4 packed cups fresh spinach
11 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Give it about 5 minutes to settle once it’s out of the oven, then dig in.

Step 02

Add mozzarella over everything and pop it in the oven. Wait around 25 to 30 minutes till the cheese is bubbly and the chicken’s done.

Step 03

First, cover the bottom of your greased dish with spinach. Next, set the just-seared chicken on the greens. Scoop the creamy mix right on top of those chicken pieces.

Step 04

Grab a mixing bowl and blend your soft cream cheese, sour cream, chopped garlic, and a little salt. Mix till nice and smooth.

Step 05

Sprinkle both sides of your chicken with the salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a big skillet—get it hot! Sear those chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just till a bit of color shows up. Take them off the heat.

Step 06

Fire up your oven to 190°C (375°F). Spray or grease a 9x13-inch dish so nothing sticks.

Additional Tips

  1. If you let this sit a bit before cutting, you’ll get neater servings and the flavors really pop.

Essential Tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Spatula

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Heads up, this has dairy from mozzarella, sour cream, and cream cheese.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 435
  • Fat Content: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Protein: 39 g