Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of spinach, artichokes, and cheese creates a rich, savory filling that complements the chicken perfectly.

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and only one baking dish, this recipe is a breeze to make and clean up after.

• Low-Carb: This dish is perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet, as it’s packed with protein and vegetables.

• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the creamy, cheesy filling and tender chicken in this dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained

• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with non-stick spray.

2. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown (the chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through, as it will finish baking in the oven). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Spinach Artichoke Sauce:

4. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the thawed and drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined. If you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes.

Assemble the Bake:

5. Layer the Chicken and Sauce: Place the seared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over each chicken breast, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbly and golden on top.

Serve:

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken bake hot, and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the spinach artichoke mixture for added flavor and texture.

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out the mozzarella or Parmesan for other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or fontina.

• Make It Low-Carb/Keto: To keep this dish low-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice or a side of roasted vegetables instead of potatoes or bread.

• Make It Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just cook it down in a skillet until wilted, then drain and chop it before adding it to the sauce.

Can I use grilled or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! You can use pre-cooked chicken, such as grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, to save time. Just skip the searing step and add the chicken directly to the baking dish with the spinach artichoke mixture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and spinach artichoke mixture ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Can I add a breadcrumb topping?

Yes! For a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking.

Conclusion

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is a rich and comforting dish that combines the creamy, cheesy flavors of spinach and artichoke dip with tender, juicy chicken. Whether served for dinner, a special occasion, or as part of meal prep, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. With its easy preparation and decadent flavors, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home in no time!