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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped This dish brings together simple yet tasty ingredients. The chicken gives a satisfying base. Cream cheese and sour cream add rich creaminess. Mozzarella and Parmesan bring a nice cheesy flavor. Spinach and artichokes give it a pop of color and taste. Using frozen spinach is easy. Just thaw and drain it well. Canned artichoke hearts add a unique texture. Fresh garlic boosts the flavor in each bite. Onion powder rounds out the taste perfectly. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper. Adding fresh parsley on top makes the dish look great. It also adds a hint of freshness. Enjoy creating a meal that is both hearty and healthy! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Grease the baking dish with olive oil. First, you want to make sure your oven is hot enough. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a baking dish. Use olive oil to lightly coat the bottom. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. - Combine dairy ingredients in a mixing bowl. - Add garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth. Then, add minced garlic, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. This cheese mixture gives the dish its rich flavor. - Fold in spinach and artichokes into the cheese mix. Next, gently fold in the thawed spinach and chopped artichokes. Make sure they are evenly mixed. This step adds color and nutrition to the dish. You want every bite to be full of that great flavor. - Arrange chicken in baking dish, season with salt and pepper. - Top with spinach and artichoke mixture. - Bake covered, then uncovered for crispiness. Now, lay the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Then, spread the creamy spinach and artichoke mix over the chicken. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. After that, take off the foil. Let the chicken bake for another 10-15 minutes. This step makes the top golden and bubbly. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To ensure the chicken cooks well, check its internal temperature. You want it to reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This step keeps the chicken safe and juicy. Baking covered is key to keeping moisture in. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This helps the chicken cook evenly. After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil. Bake it uncovered for 10-15 minutes. This makes the top golden and crispy. For extra flavor, you can add seasonings like smoked paprika or crushed red pepper. Mixing in different cheeses, like cheddar or gouda, can also enhance the taste. Evenly distributing the spinach and artichoke mixture is very important. Make sure every bite has a good mix of flavors. This way, you get the best experience from the dish. Serving this dish can be fun! For a rustic touch, keep it in the baking dish. It looks warm and inviting. For a refined look, plate each chicken breast. Add extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for flair. Pair this bake with garlic bread for a filling meal. A fresh salad can also balance the rich flavors. The mix of textures makes it a delight! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach works well, using fresh spinach can elevate the dish's flavor and texture. Just sauté it lightly before mixing it with the cheese. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or cheddar for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Just ensure they melt well! Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts for a few hours in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before baking. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. {{image_4}} You can make a few smart swaps to lighten this dish. For cheese, try low-fat cream cheese or dairy-free options. These choices cut calories while keeping creaminess. If you want to switch the protein, use turkey or tofu instead of chicken. Turkey is leaner, while tofu adds plant-based protein. Both options keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Want to shake things up? Add sundried tomatoes or sliced jalapeños to the cheese mix. These ingredients bring a new layer of flavor. You can also try different herbs like basil or oregano. Mixing up the cheese also works well. Use gouda or cheddar for a unique twist. Experimenting can lead to your new favorite version! If you want to change how you cook this dish, consider a slow cooker. Just combine all the ingredients and let it cook on low. This method keeps the chicken moist and infuses flavors. Another fun option is grilling. Grill the chicken breasts first, then top with the spinach mixture. This gives a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy topping. To store your Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake, first let it cool. Then, place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Freezing is a great way to save your dish for later. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen meal, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it's hot all the way through. This keeps the chicken moist and the cheese creamy. Always check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C), to ensure it's safe to eat. Yes, you can use fresh spinach. It offers a bright flavor. Use about 2 cups of fresh spinach for this recipe. Cook it down in a pan until it wilts. Drain any excess water. This helps avoid a soggy dish. Both fresh and frozen spinach work well, but fresh adds a nice texture. This chicken bake pairs nicely with simple sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a tasty crunch. - A fresh green salad for balance. - Roasted vegetables for added flavor. - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Each side enhances the creamy chicken dish, making your meal complete. The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also look for visual cues. The chicken should be white and no longer pink inside. Juices should run clear when you cut into it. These signs ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and spinach artichoke mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, layer the mixture over the chicken and bake. If you want to freeze it, assemble everything and wrap it tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. This makes dinner easy on busy nights! This dish blends chicken and creamy cheese with spinach and artichokes. We discussed prepping the oven, mixing ingredients, and baking. Tips covered perfect cooking times and serving ideas. You can also try variations, like healthier ingredients and different cooking methods. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these steps, you’ll create a delicious meal that satisfies everyone. Enjoy your cooking!

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake

A creamy and flavorful chicken bake featuring spinach and artichokes, topped with a cheesy mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup frozen spinach, thoroughly thawed and well-drained
  • 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Gently fold in the thoroughly drained spinach and chopped artichokes until evenly distributed.
  • Lay the chicken breasts side by side in the greased baking dish and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Spoon the creamy spinach and artichoke mixture over the chicken breasts, spreading it out with a spatula to cover each piece.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • After the covered bake time, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is bubbling and golden brown.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve directly in the baking dish for a rustic feel or plate individually for a refined presentation.
Keyword artichoke, bake, cheesy, chicken, spinach