Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake
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This quick and creamy spinach chicken bake is bursting with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant spinach. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and perfect for an easy, healthy dinner.
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? I’ve just got the perfect one for you. This meal is healthy, hearty, and full of flavor.
This creamy spinach chicken bake is perfect for busy weeknights, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a delicious comfort meal.
But, besides being a delicious recipe, it’s loaded with protein, and it’s low in carbs. With only 5 grams of net carbs and 32 grams of protein, this is a keto-lover’s dream recipe.
Another thing I love about this recipe is that you only need a pan and a baking sheet, and you’ve got yourself a meal. Cook the spinach and let the oven do the rest.
In a matter of minutes, you have a delicious meal waiting for you.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItThis recipe also uses simple ingredients. Chicken, spices, cream cheese, and spinach. Things I’m pretty sure you already have in your fridge or pantry.
I hate when I want to make a meal and it uses complicated ingredients that I am not likely to find at home.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (2 large) – If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs or try with turkey cutlets. If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace it with firm tofu.
Olive oil, divided (2 tbsp) – Avocado oil or melted butter are great alternatives.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves) – You can use pre-minced garlic if you want to save time, or use garlic powder or flakes.
Italian seasoning (2 tsp) – Try making your homemade version using dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp) – If you don’t like spicy food, you can remove this ingredient.
Salt (1/2 tsp)
Black pepper (1/2 tsp)
Cream cheese, softened (1 cup) – You can swap with ricotta or plain Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter touch.
Spinach, rinsed (2 cups) – I prefer using fresh spinach, but you can also use frozen spinach. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained before you use it.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup) – You can try experimenting with other cheeses like provolone, Gruyère, or Gouda for a different flavor.
How to Make Spinach Chicken Bake
Step 1. Prepare a casserole dish by spraying it with oil. Grab a bowl and combine 1 tbsp of olive oil with the minced garlic.
Step 2. Now, add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3. Give it a good stir to create a paste.
Step 4. Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thinner chicken breasts. Cover the chicken with the seasoning paste and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Step 5. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a frying pan on medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the spinach.
Step 6. Let it cook until it wilts. It should roughly take 3-5 minutes.
Step 7. Drain the chicken from the marinade and put them in the casserole dish.
Step 8. Using a spatula, cover the chicken breasts with cream cheese.
Step 9. Add the cooked spinach on top of the cream cheese.
Step 10. Sprinkle the chicken with some delicious shredded mozzarella. Place it in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese starts to bubble and turns golden brown.
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Pin ItHow I Would Modify This Recipe
- Add Veggies: Layer sliced mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, or steamed broccoli.
- Make it Dairy–Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella for a lactose-free version.
- Add Some Heat: Add chopped jalapeños or some chipotle powder for an extra spicy kick.
- Low–Fat Version: Choose reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat mozzarella.
My Tips & Tricks
- Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate at least 15 minutes or an hour to ensure it’s infused with the perfect blend of seasonings.
- Spread the Ingredients Evenly: Ensure that each piece of chicken gets a generous layer of cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes; overcooked chicken results in dry chicken, which nobody likes to eat.
My Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
You can also place it in the freezer. Simply, wrap them in individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can keep it there for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to have it, place it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake
Cals: 471 Protein: 32 Carbs: 5.9 Fat: 36
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 2 cups spinach rinsed
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Prepare a casserole dish. Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 separate thinner chicken breasts.
- In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add in the chicken breasts, cover them with the mixture completely, and set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Heat up a frying pan, add in the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil and wilt the spinach for a 3-5 minutes and set it aside.
- Drain the chicken from the marinade and place them in a casserole dish.
- Cover the breasts with cream cheese, then wilted spinach, and finally sprinkle with all of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken fully cooks and the cheese turns golden brown.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
