Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake: A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

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Introduction:

This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food — tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy spinach artichoke topping that’s loaded with melty cheese. It’s a hearty, feel-good dinner that’s easy to throw together and guaranteed to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying!

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add spinach and artichoke hearts, cooking until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir in the spinach and artichoke mixture until creamy and well combined.
  5. Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!

Variation:

  1. Use Thighs Instead of Breasts: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, juicier bite. Thighs tend to stay more tender and flavorful during baking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook a little faster.
  2. Add Bacon or Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a flavor boost, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon or chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the creamy spinach artichoke mixture. It adds a savory punch and makes the dish even more irresistible.
  3. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the spinach and artichoke mixture for a touch of heat. It cuts through the richness and gives the bake a little kick without overpowering the creamy flavors.

Cooking Notes:

  1. Pre-Cook the Chicken Properly: Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding the creamy topping. Since it only bakes for 25-30 minutes after assembly, this ensures your chicken stays juicy and safe to eat.
  2. Drain the Artichokes Well: Squeeze out any excess liquid from the artichoke hearts before chopping. Too much moisture can make the creamy topping watery instead of thick and luscious.
  3. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese soften before mixing. This makes it much easier to blend smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a perfectly creamy topping without lumps.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Pair with Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve this bake alongside crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce and makes the meal feel even more comforting.
  2. Add a Fresh Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp side salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity cut through the creaminess and refresh your palate between bites.
  3. Roasted Vegetables on the Side: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a colorful, healthy side dish. The slight char from roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies and pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken.

Tips:

  1. Shred Your Own Cheese: Always shred mozzarella and Parmesan fresh off the block if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, and fresh cheese will make the topping even creamier.
  2. Don’t Skip the Sauté Step: Cooking the garlic, spinach, and artichokes before mixing them into the sauce intensifies their flavors and removes extra moisture, preventing a soggy topping.
  3. Let It Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve without losing all that cheesy goodness.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble everything (cook the chicken, mix the creamy topping, and layer it), then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge.
  2. Can I freeze Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake?
    Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through. Keep in mind that dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly, but a good stir and a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top usually bring it right back together.
  3. What are the best substitutions for sour cream?
    If you’re looking for a lighter option or just don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt works wonderfully here. It still gives you that creamy tang without altering the overall flavor too much. Make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the richest texture.
  4. Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
    Yes! This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Always double-check your specific ingredient brands (especially mayonnaise) to ensure there are no hidden sugars or carbs.

Conclusion:

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is one of those magical meals that’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make — perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a meal prep superstar for the week ahead. Juicy chicken, creamy spinach and artichoke topping, and melty cheese come together for a satisfying, hearty dish everyone will love. Serve it up with a side salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got yourself a complete, crave-worthy dinner that’s sure to disappear fast!

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Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake: A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

  • Author: Chef Sophia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food — tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy spinach artichoke topping that’s loaded with melty cheese. It’s a hearty, feel-good dinner that’s easy to throw together and guaranteed to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add spinach and artichoke hearts, cooking until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir in the spinach and artichoke mixture until creamy and well combined.
  5. Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
  • Swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want a lighter option.
  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or a simple green salad.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: spinach artichoke chicken bake, creamy chicken casserole, easy chicken bake, spinach artichoke casserole

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