Let me tell you about my go-to comfort food: the creamy chicken and spinach casserole. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate! It’s packed with flavor—think tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a creamy sauce that just brings everything together beautifully. What I love most about it is how simple it is to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy the leftovers without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll quickly become a beloved part of your dinner rotation!
Ingredients
Gathering all the right ingredients is key to making this creamy chicken and spinach casserole a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, or cook your own if you prefer! Shredded chicken adds such a nice texture.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach gives this dish a lovely color and flavor. If you want, you can even substitute kale for a different twist!
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): This is the magic base that makes everything wonderfully creamy. It adds depth and richness to the casserole.
- 1 cup sour cream: This adds a tangy creaminess that balances the flavors perfectly. Trust me, it’s a must!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheese is life! It melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible bubbly crust.
- 1 cup cooked rice: This makes the casserole hearty and filling. Plus, it soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory depth without the hassle of chopping onions!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust to your taste!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to round everything out.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious creamy chicken and spinach casserole! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First off, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and golden. So don’t skip this step, okay? While the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready!
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to mix everything together. Start by adding your shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Now, stir it all together until everything is well combined. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor, so make sure no clumps are hiding in there!
Add Rice and Transfer
Next, gently fold in the cooked rice into your delicious mixture. The rice is going to soak up all that creamy goodness, making each bite even more satisfying. Once it’s all mixed, transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out so that it bakes perfectly.
Bake the Casserole
Now, it’s time to let the magic happen in the oven! Bake your casserole for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking? Oh wow, it’s absolutely heavenly! Just wait until you see it—your taste buds are going to dance with joy!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your creamy chicken and spinach casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a super quick and convenient option, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store! It saves you time and adds great flavor without any extra cooking.
- Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheese as much as I do, don’t be shy! Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top before baking for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
- Mix in More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. They’ll add even more flavor and nutrition to the dish!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. If the cheese is bubbly and golden but the center isn’t hot enough, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking.
- Let it Rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit, making it easier to scoop out those delicious portions!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a creamy chicken and spinach casserole that everyone will rave about! Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this creamy chicken and spinach casserole! While I can’t provide exact numbers since they can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
These values are just estimates, so if you’re counting macros or calories, it’s a good idea to check the specific ingredients you use. Regardless, you’ll be enjoying a tasty dish that’s not only satisfying but also packs a protein punch thanks to the chicken and cheese! Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and nourishing!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen spinach in this creamy chicken and spinach casserole. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to your mixture. This will help keep your casserole from getting too watery. It’s a great time-saver, and you’ll still get that lovely spinach flavor!
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is so hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, I recommend serving it with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding a nice crunch and brightness. You could also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious creamy sauce. Yum!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. It’s a fantastic way to save time on busy days!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy chicken, fresh spinach, and savory seasonings creates a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: The addition of rice and chicken makes this casserole a satisfying meal that keeps you full and happy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it ahead of time, so it’s ready to pop in the oven when you need it—ideal for meal planning!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or extra cheese to make it uniquely yours, tailoring it to your family’s tastes.
- Kid-Approved: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy casserole to bring a sense of comfort and satisfaction to the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover creamy chicken and spinach casserole is just as delicious as the first day you make it, if not better! Here’s how to store it and reheat it so you can enjoy every last bite.
First, let your casserole cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps it from getting soggy. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days—just make sure it’s well-sealed to lock in that amazing flavor!
When you’re ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbling. If you want to refresh that cheesy topping, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to let the cheese get nice and melty again.
If you’re short on time, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just pop it in for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. But be careful, as it can get hot quickly! No matter how you choose to reheat it, you’ll be in for a treat when you dig back into that creamy goodness!
Imprimer
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A creamy chicken and spinach casserole packed with flavor.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, spinach, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cooked rice until well mixed.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Can substitute kale for spinach.
- Add more cheese for a richer flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: creamy chicken and spinach casserole
