Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach

Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach is one of those recipes that has become a staple in our home for all the right reasons. It’s comforting, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly easy to throw together, even on a busy weeknight. The first time I made it, I was looking for something that was both satisfying and relatively healthy, and this dish ticked all the boxes. The creamy spinach, rich and garlicky, perfectly complements the juicy, tender baked chicken. My family, who can be quite picky eaters at times, absolutely devoured it. The kids loved the creamy sauce, and my husband appreciated the lean protein and the depth of flavor. Since then, it’s become a regular request, and I’ve tweaked it over time to make it even more delicious and efficient. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or something impressive to serve guests, this Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach recipe is a guaranteed winner that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: (About 2 pounds) – The lean protein base of our dish, providing a tender and juicy texture when baked.
• Fresh Spinach: (10 ounces) – The star vegetable, adding a vibrant green color, earthy flavor, and a wealth of nutrients to the creamy sauce. Frozen spinach can be used as a substitute, but fresh spinach provides a better texture and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: (4 ounces, softened) – The secret to the creamy sauce, adding richness, tanginess, and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Heavy Cream: (1/2 cup) – Enhances the creaminess of the sauce, creating a luxurious and decadent mouthfeel.
• Garlic: (3 cloves, minced) – Aromatic and pungent, garlic provides a foundational savory flavor that complements both the chicken and spinach.
• Yellow Onion: (1/2 medium, diced) – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce, creating a savory base.
• Parmesan Cheese: (1/2 cup, grated) – Provides a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor, contributing to the overall savory profile and creating a golden, cheesy topping when baked.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a healthy fat and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Salt: (To taste) – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: (To taste) – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
• Paprika: (1 teaspoon) – Contributes a mild, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor, as well as a vibrant color to the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: (1 teaspoon) – A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, adding a classic Italian flavor profile to the dish.

Instructions for Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your chicken breasts. If they are very thick, consider pounding them slightly to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) to ensure even cooking. This will help them cook through at the same rate and prevent the edges from drying out before the center is cooked.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Ensure each breast is evenly coated with the spices to maximize flavor in every bite. The paprika will add a lovely color and subtle smokiness, while the Italian seasoning provides a classic, herbaceous note.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cast iron skillets work wonderfully for this recipe as they retain heat well and can go directly from stovetop to oven. Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add Spinach and Cook Down: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and squeezed dry before adding. As you add the spinach, it will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly as it cooks. Stir frequently until the spinach is wilted and reduced in volume, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Cooking down the spinach removes excess moisture and concentrates its flavor.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the spinach mixture. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the spinach, creating a smooth and creamy base. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, ensuring the sauce is well-balanced and flavorful.
6. Place Chicken in Skillet and Top with Sauce: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet on top of the creamy spinach sauce. You can gently nestle them into the sauce or simply place them on top. Ensure the chicken is somewhat submerged or at least coated with the creamy spinach mixture. Spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered. This will keep the chicken moist during baking and infuse it with the creamy spinach flavor.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and creamy spinach mixture. The Parmesan cheese will melt and create a delicious golden-brown crust in the oven, adding a salty and nutty finish to the dish.
8. Bake in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breast to ensure it is fully cooked. The Parmesan cheese should be melted, golden brown, and bubbly.
9. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach

(Per Serving, approximately 4 servings per recipe – Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

• Serving Size: 1 Chicken Breast with Creamy Spinach Sauce (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 25-35g

Note: These nutrition facts are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, as well as portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, it is recommended to use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients and amounts used.

Preparation Time for Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (Includes chopping vegetables, seasoning chicken, and preparing the creamy spinach sauce)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (Baking in the oven)
• Total Time: 50 minutes (From start to finish, ready to serve)

This recipe is relatively quick and straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The majority of the time is spent baking in the oven, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while dinner cooks.

How to Serve Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Over Rice:
  • White Rice: Classic and simple, white rice provides a fluffy base to soak up the creamy spinach sauce.
  • Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice offers a nutty flavor and more fiber.
  • Quinoa: A protein-rich grain, quinoa is another excellent healthy alternative that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• With Vegetables:
  • Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper offers a fresh and slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the dish.
  • Steamed Broccoli: A light and healthy side, steamed broccoli provides a good source of vitamins and fiber.
  • Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic add a flavorful and crisp vegetable component.
  • Roasted Carrots: Sweet and tender roasted carrots complement the savory flavors of the chicken and spinach.
• With Potatoes:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing that enhances the richness of the dish.
  • Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a satisfying textural contrast.
  • Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly sweeter and more indulgent side, sweet potato fries are a great option.
• With Bread:
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious creamy spinach sauce.
  • Garlic Bread: Enhances the garlic flavors in the dish and provides a warm, buttery side.
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are a comforting accompaniment.
• With Salad:
  • Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides balance to the richness of the main dish.
  • Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers a creamy and tangy contrast.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach

1. Pound Chicken for Even Cooking: As mentioned earlier, pounding thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly. This prevents the edges from becoming dry while waiting for the center to cook through, resulting in consistently juicy and tender chicken.
2. Marinate Chicken for Extra Flavor (Optional): For an even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating it for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and herbs can significantly enhance the taste.
3. Use Fresh Spinach for Best Texture and Flavor: While frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, fresh spinach provides a superior texture and flavor. It wilts down beautifully and doesn’t become as watery as frozen spinach can sometimes be. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the skillet.
4. Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Spinach cooks very quickly. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color. Cook it just until it is wilted and tender-crisp.
5. Adjust Creaminess to Your Preference: If you prefer a richer, thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cream cheese or heavy cream slightly. For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even milk instead of heavy cream, although this will result in a less thick and less creamy sauce.
6. Add Other Cheese Varieties: While Parmesan cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties. Shredded mozzarella, Gruyere, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add different flavor profiles and textures to the dish. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar can also add a nice tang.
7. Add a Touch of Lemon Juice for Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of lemon zest added to the creamy spinach sauce just before baking can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the cream and cheese. It adds a subtle zing that elevates the dish.
8. Garnish with Fresh Herbs for Freshness: Before serving, garnish the Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or basil. Fresh herbs add a pop of color, aroma, and freshness that complements the richness of the dish and makes it even more visually appealing.

FAQ about Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Ensure it is fully thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess water before adding it to the skillet. Frozen spinach may have a slightly different texture than fresh spinach but will still work well in this recipe. Use about 10 ounces of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed.

Q2: Can I prepare Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the creamy spinach sauce and assemble the dish ahead of time, but it’s best to bake it just before serving for optimal texture and flavor. You can assemble the chicken in the skillet with the sauce and cheese topping, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 4-6 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Q3: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay moist even if slightly overcooked. They will also add a richer flavor to the dish. Baking time may need to be adjusted slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q4: Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables to the creamy spinach sauce?
A: Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, or artichoke hearts would be delicious additions to the creamy spinach sauce. Sauté mushrooms or bell peppers with the onion and garlic, or add drained artichoke hearts along with the spinach.

Q5: How should I store leftovers of Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach?
A: Store leftover Baked Chicken with Creamy Spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through. Be mindful that the sauce may become slightly thinner upon reheating.

Q6: What can I do if the creamy spinach sauce becomes too thick or too thin?
A: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it. You can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese to thicken it quickly.

Q7: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in dairy?
A: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free heavy cream (like coconut cream or cashew cream). For a lower-dairy version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cream cheese. Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on top instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

Q8: Can I use different seasonings or herbs in this recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to customize the flavor profile. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, using dried thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning, or adding a dash of nutmeg to the creamy spinach sauce for warmth. Fresh dill or tarragon can also be delicious additions.

Print