Description

This Irresistible Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken cubes layered with fresh spinach and a luscious creamy sauce, all topped with melted Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy yet elegant meal ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Creamy Sauce:

3/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp onion powder

For the Casserole Base:

1.25 lb chicken, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
8 oz fresh spinach
8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated (Tillamook recommended)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 500°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized cubes, finely grate the Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, and measure all other ingredients for quick assembly.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed to balance the flavors before baking.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the fresh spinach evenly in the bottom of the baking dish, breaking up any clumps. Evenly distribute the chicken cubes over the spinach. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, gently spreading it to coat all pieces. Finally, sprinkle the grated Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole on the bottom rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and the sauce bubbles around the edges. The chicken will cook through quickly at this high temperature, and the bottom rack ensures the spinach softens while the cheese browns perfectly.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. This brief rest allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion and serve.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and texture.
Adjust seasoning in the creamy sauce to your preference before baking.
Cooking at a high temperature (500°F) helps achieve a golden cheese crust quickly while cooking chicken thoroughly.
Resting the casserole after baking helps the sauce set for cleaner slices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Casserole, Spinach Casserole, Baked Chicken Dish, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe