When the day has been long, and you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in food form, this Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is the answer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts nestled under a blanket of creamy spinach and crowned with a glorious layer of melted mozzarella and tangy feta. It’s a dish that ticks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for sharing.
This dish brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone reached for seconds before they even finished their first serving. The combination of creamy spinach and gooey cheese feels indulgent, yet the chicken and fresh greens keep it wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe is destined to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Schedules: With only a few easy steps, this recipe fits seamlessly into even the most hectic days.
- Balanced and Satisfying: The rich flavors of the cheeses and spinach complement the tender chicken perfectly, making it both comforting and nourishing.
- Low-Carb Friendly: This dish is naturally low in carbs, so it fits into keto or low-carb diets without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with a side of roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or rice to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Spinach and Cheese Topping:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 10 to 12 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts out on a cutting board. If they’re uneven in thickness, consider gently pounding them with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Rub the minced garlic over each chicken breast, then season generously with oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: First Bake
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Sauté the Spinach
While the chicken is in the oven, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s wilted. Don’t overcook—the spinach will continue to cook later in the oven. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Spinach Mixture
To the skillet with the sautéed spinach, add the cubed cream cheese. Stir gently until the cream cheese has melted and is well incorporated with the spinach, creating a creamy mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Once the chicken has baked for 15 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Flip each chicken breast over to ensure even cooking, then spoon the creamy spinach mixture over each piece, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the spinach layer, followed by the crumbled feta cheese. The combination of these two cheeses creates a rich, savory topping that’s perfectly gooey and golden once baked.
Step 8: Final Bake
Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 17 to 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden, and the chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Once the dish is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and avoids any dry spots.
- Fresh Spinach: Fresh baby spinach gives the best texture, but if you use frozen spinach, thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses—Gruyère, provolone, or sharp cheddar are all great options if you want to mix it up.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the entire dish up to the final baking step and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly
Notes
- For an extra crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
- If you’re meal prepping, this dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~397 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 142mg
- Sodium: 663mg
- Potassium: 887mg
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. For freezing, assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Related Recipes
Love this Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake? Try these next:
- Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Chicken Alfredo Casserole
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Conclusion
The Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of comforting flavors that bring people together. The tender chicken, creamy spinach, and ooey-gooey cheese topping make this dish a showstopper on any table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this bake is guaranteed to impress without the stress. So, roll up your sleeves, and let this easy yet impressive meal be the highlight of your evening. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
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Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake
Description
When the day has been long, and you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in food form, this Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is the answer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts nestled under a blanket of creamy spinach and crowned with a glorious layer of melted mozzarella and tangy feta. It’s a dish that ticks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for sharing.
This dish brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone reached for seconds before they even finished their first serving. The combination of creamy spinach and gooey cheese feels indulgent, yet the chicken and fresh greens keep it wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe is destined to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Spinach and Cheese Topping:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 10 to 12 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts out on a cutting board. If they’re uneven in thickness, consider gently pounding them with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Rub the minced garlic over each chicken breast, then season generously with oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: First Bake
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Sauté the Spinach
While the chicken is in the oven, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s wilted. Don’t overcook—the spinach will continue to cook later in the oven. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Spinach Mixture
To the skillet with the sautéed spinach, add the cubed cream cheese. Stir gently until the cream cheese has melted and is well incorporated with the spinach, creating a creamy mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Once the chicken has baked for 15 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Flip each chicken breast over to ensure even cooking, then spoon the creamy spinach mixture over each piece, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the spinach layer, followed by the crumbled feta cheese. The combination of these two cheeses creates a rich, savory topping that’s perfectly gooey and golden once baked.
Step 8: Final Bake
Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 17 to 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden, and the chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Once the dish is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For an extra crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
- If you’re meal prepping, this dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
