If you’re craving a dish that wraps up the lusciousness of spinach and artichokes with tender chicken and an irresistible cheesy embrace, then this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, packed with gooey cheese, savory bites of chicken, and plenty of vibrant greens—all baked together to create layers of comforting flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between rich and wholesome, bringing a fresh twist to classic favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy base to the fresh veggies and flavorful cheeses, every element contributes to creating a dish that’s both satisfying and hearty.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Adds that signature creamy texture that makes this casserole irresistibly smooth.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): Brings tanginess and lightness, perfect for balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup, divided): Melts beautifully, creating that lovely gooey top everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup plus more for topping): Delivers a sharp, salty bite that lifts the overall flavor.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses a subtle aromatic punch that’s essential for depth.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
- Freshly cracked black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a mild heat that rounds out the taste.
- Artichoke hearts (3 cups, chopped): Bring a delightful tangy bite and tender texture; use thawed frozen or canned and drained.
- Baby spinach (1 bag, 5 ounces): Offers vibrant color, nutrients, and a gentle earthiness to brighten every forkful.
- Cooked chicken (2 heaping cups): The hearty base protein that makes the casserole a well-rounded meal.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Creamy Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment is ideal here because it’ll whip these ingredients into a luxuriously smooth and creamy base. Don’t have a stand mixer? No worries! A hand mixer or even a sturdy wooden spoon can do the trick—just make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so mixing is easier and the texture stays silky.
Step 2: Fold in the Vegetables and Chicken
After your creamy mixture is well combined, it’s time to add in the star veggies and protein. Gently stir in the roughly chopped artichoke hearts, fresh baby spinach, and the cooked chicken. This combination brings a fantastic mix of textures and flavors that meld beautifully during baking. Make sure everything is evenly incorporated—a uniform mixture ensures every scoop is packed with goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish and lightly spray it with avocado oil or your favorite cooking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the creamy chicken and veggie mix into the dish, spreading it out evenly to create a flat surface. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and a bit more Parmesan on top to set the stage for that golden, bubbly crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole loosely with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the inside warm through. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This final step allows the cheese on top to bubble and develop a gorgeous golden crust that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, be patient and let the casserole cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve without losing that creamy texture. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to deepen, so every bite is pure comfort.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe pop even more, consider scattering some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan adds a nice visual contrast and an extra cheesy hit for those who can’t get enough indulgence. For a little zing, a light drizzle of lemon juice or a few red pepper flakes can awaken the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty main dish, but pairing it with some simple sides can round out your meal perfectly. A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, complement the creamy texture with their natural char and crunch. If you’re feeling cozy, some warm crusty bread or garlic rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate the presentation, bake the casserole in colorful individual ramekins instead of a single dish. This not only looks charming but also makes portioning effortless. Alternatively, try layering the mixture with thinly sliced potatoes or even some cooked pasta for a hearty twist. Serve with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for added texture and a touch of sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making your next meal just as delicious. Simply cover and chill, making sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! For the best results, assemble it but don’t bake initially—wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baked straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Either way, you’ll enjoy that rich, creamy goodness every time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned or frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh artichokes work wonderfully but require a bit more prep—cleaning, trimming, and boiling until tender before chopping. If you have the time, fresh will add an earthy flavor that’s delightful in this casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
While this casserole relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, yogurt alternatives, and vegan cheeses. The texture and taste may vary slightly, but it’s a workable option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely! Shredded turkey or cooked chopped sausage would be tasty swaps. Even hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted cauliflower can turn this into a vegetarian delight if you omit the meat.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild by nature, focusing on creamy and cheesy flavors. If you want to add a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture or sprinkling them on top before baking.
What’s the best way to ensure the casserole isn’t watery?
Make sure your spinach is well drained or sautéed to remove excess moisture before mixing. Also, picking canned artichokes that are well drained helps keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s truly one of those dishes that feels like home in every bite—a seamless combination of comfort and freshness that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new go-to crowd-pleaser that gets requested again and again!
Print
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This creamy and cheesy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole combines juicy cooked chicken, tender spinach, and tangy artichoke hearts in a rich cream cheese and Greek yogurt base, all baked to golden perfection with a melted mozzarella and Parmesan topping. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Dairy & Cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Vegetables
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 cups artichoke hearts, roughly chopped (frozen and defrosted, or canned and drained)
- 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
Protein
- 2 heaping cups cooked chicken
Seasonings & Others
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Avocado oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready once the casserole is prepared.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Beat until smooth and well incorporated. If you don’t have a stand mixer, use a hand mixer or mix thoroughly by hand using a wooden spoon, ensuring the cream cheese is really soft.
- Add Vegetables and Chicken: To the cream cheese mixture bowl, add the roughly chopped artichoke hearts, baby spinach, and cooked chicken. Stir everything together by hand until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish with avocado oil or your preferred cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the casserole to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for 10 to 15 minutes after baking to help it set, making slicing easier and serving neater.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to achieve a smooth base.
- Use cooked chicken you have on hand, such as roasted or grilled, shredded for ease.
- If using canned artichoke hearts, drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat Greek yogurt and reduce the cheese quantities slightly.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven until warmed through.