Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake Recipe
A delicious and creamy Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts layered with garlic-infused cream cheese, wilted spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for a comforting low-carb dinner that’s packed with protein and flavor.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
Fillings and Topping
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups spinach, rinsed
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner pieces. This helps them cook evenly and faster.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully covered. Let them marinate for 15 minutes.
- Wilt the Spinach: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the spinach and cook for 3-5 minutes until wilted, then set aside.
- Assemble the Bake: Drain the chicken from the marinade and place the pieces evenly in a casserole dish. Spread the softened cream cheese over the chicken, then layer the wilted spinach evenly on top.
- Add the Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the spinach layer. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach; just make sure to drain excess water after thawing.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (7 oz)
- Calories: 471kcal
- Sugar: 2.6g
- Sodium: 704mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5.9g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: cheesy spinach chicken bake, low carb chicken recipe, creamy chicken bake, baked chicken with spinach and cheese, easy chicken dinner