why make this recipe
Creamy Spinach and Chicken Bake is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s full of flavor and packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for family meals. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese. It’s a comfort food that everyone will love.
how to make Creamy Spinach and Chicken Bake
Ingredients:
- 6 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- 1 small bag of fresh baby spinach
- 1 large package of sliced mushrooms
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 container green onion cream cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 dash of pepper
- 1 dash of herb and garlic seasoning
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, lay the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Top the chicken with a layer of fresh baby spinach, followed by a layer of sliced mushrooms.
- Sprinkle pepper and herb and garlic seasoning evenly over the spinach and mushrooms.
- Soften the green onion cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, olive oil, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, spinach, and mushrooms in the baking dish.
- Lay a piece of foil loosely over the top of the dish, ensuring it does not seal completely.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.
how to serve Creamy Spinach and Chicken Bake
Serve this dish warm right after it comes out of the oven. It pairs beautifully with a side of rice or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it on its own, as it is filling and flavorful.
how to store Creamy Spinach and Chicken Bake
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
tips to make Creamy Spinach and Chicken Bake
- Ensure your chicken breasts are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- You can add a layer of grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrition.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the chicken with slices of eggplant or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors.
Creamy Spinach and Chicken Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces thin-sliced chicken breasts Ensure chicken is sliced thinly for even cooking.
- 1 small bag fresh baby spinach
- 1 large package sliced mushrooms
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese Can substitute with cheddar or gouda for different flavors.
- 1 container green onion cream cheese Soften before mixing.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth Can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 dash pepper
- 1 dash herb and garlic seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, lay the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Top the chicken with a layer of fresh baby spinach, followed by a layer of sliced mushrooms.
- Sprinkle pepper and herb and garlic seasoning evenly over the spinach and mushrooms.
- Soften the green onion cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
Making the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, olive oil, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, spinach, and mushrooms in the baking dish.
Baking
- Lay a piece of foil loosely over the top of the dish, ensuring it does not seal completely.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.