Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the creamy richness of spinach artichoke dip with the lean protein of chicken, making it a delicious and filling meal. The cottage cheese adds a surprising twist, giving the sauce a velvety texture while adding a protein boost. It’s easy to prepare, with minimal prep time, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the classic flavors of spinach artichoke dip in a main course form. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal!

Ingredients

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

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the spinach artichoke mixture:

• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or fresh spinach, sautéed)

• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, depending on preference)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Prepare the chicken:

1. Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Make the spinach artichoke mixture:

3. Prepare the mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the dish:

4. Return the chicken to the skillet: If needed, add a little more oil or butter to the skillet. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the spinach artichoke mixture over the top of each chicken breast.

5. Cook and melt the cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the spinach artichoke mixture is hot and the cheese begins to melt.

6. Optional: Broil the top: If you want the top of the spinach artichoke mixture to be slightly golden and bubbly, transfer the skillet to the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Serve and enjoy:

7. Serve the chicken: Serve the Spinach Artichoke Chicken hot, spooning the creamy mixture over the chicken. It pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 15-20 minutes, making this a quick and easy meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the spinach artichoke mixture for more texture and flavor.

• Use different cheese: Swap the mozzarella or Parmesan for other cheeses like goat cheese, cheddar, or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.

• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and non-dairy cheese alternatives to make this dish dairy-free.

• Add a protein boost: For extra protein, add some cooked bacon or grilled shrimp to the spinach artichoke mixture.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Spinach Artichoke Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little bit of chicken broth or water to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Just sauté about 2 cups of fresh spinach until wilted and then drain the excess liquid before adding it to the mixture.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish. They are more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breasts.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spinach artichoke mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, just prepare the chicken and assemble the dish as instructed.

4. Can I add more cheese to the sauce?

Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan to the spinach artichoke mixture for an extra creamy and cheesy texture.

5. Can I freeze Spinach Artichoke Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken with the spinach artichoke mixture. To freeze, place the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

6. Can I make this recipe without the cottage cheese?

Yes, if you don’t have cottage cheese, you can use cream cheese or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just make sure to adjust the amount of salt and seasoning accordingly.

7. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).

8. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can bake this dish in the oven instead of cooking it on the stovetop. After preparing the spinach artichoke mixture, place the chicken in a baking dish, top with the mixture, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.

9. Can I add a breadcrumb topping for crunch?

Yes! If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs over the top of the chicken and bake for the last 5 minutes to get a crispy, golden crust.

10. Can I make this dish without the cheese?

If you’re looking for a lighter version or need to avoid dairy, you can make this dish without the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that brings together classic flavors in a simple yet elegant way. The creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken, making it a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!