Tender chicken baked with creamy spinach and melted cheese—an easy, satisfying dinner!
Servings: 6
Who says comfort food can’t include a little green? This Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is a warm, gooey, cheesy delight that sneaks in a healthy dose of spinach. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty dinner that everyone will love. Bonus? It’s all baked in one dish for minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a winner every time!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Supplies Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Place the chicken breasts in the dish and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Make the Spinach Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped spinach until well incorporated.
Assemble the Bake:
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dish.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in individual containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- If fresh spinach isn’t available, thawed frozen spinach works too—just be sure to squeeze out the excess moisture.
- Pair this dish with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Add Veggies: Layer sliced mushrooms or bell peppers under the spinach mixture.
- Protein Swap: Use turkey cutlets or pork chops instead of chicken.
FAQ
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
What cheese works best for this dish?
Mozzarella provides great melt, but feel free to mix in cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
This Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is the ultimate in cozy, easy-to-make comfort food. With a creamy spinach base and gooey cheese topping, it’s a dish that’ll have your family coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.