Spinach Artichoke Chicken Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes strike a balance between indulgent and wholesome quite like Spinach Artichoke Chicken. Inspired by the beloved appetizer—rich, creamy spinach artichoke dip—this recipe transforms a classic party favorite into a hearty, satisfying main course that’s both elegant enough for guests and easy enough for weeknights. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

At its core, Spinach Artichoke Chicken is about contrast and balance. You have the earthy freshness of spinach, the briny complexity of marinated artichokes, the creamy tang of cheese and sour cream, and the savory depth of well-seasoned, seared chicken breasts. Together, these components create a layered dish that hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and deeply satisfying.

This recipe takes what is often served in a bowl alongside crackers or bread and elevates it—literally and figuratively—by layering it over golden-brown chicken, then baking it to bubbly perfection. The result is a rich, soul-warming entree that delivers all the craveable flavor of a classic dip, with the added bonus of lean protein and hearty texture.

What sets this version apart is its flexibility. It can be made in a single skillet for minimal cleanup, scaled up for a crowd, or adapted for low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-light diets. Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal, pair it with roasted vegetables for a lighter option, or spoon it onto a slice of toasted sourdough for a comforting open-faced sandwich.

Spinach Artichoke Chicken is also an ideal recipe for those looking to impress without fuss. With just a few simple ingredients—many of which are pantry or freezer staples—you can produce a dish that feels restaurant-worthy. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, making it a reliable choice whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or cooking for one and looking forward to leftovers.

In this comprehensive recipe guide, we’ll explore everything from ingredient selection and preparation to expert tips on achieving the perfect creamy texture without a heavy sauce. We’ll also dive into flavor variations, suggested side dishes, wine pairings, and even storage and reheating tips so that not a single bite goes to waste.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone discovering the joy of cooking, Spinach Artichoke Chicken is the kind of recipe that rewards care without demanding perfection. It’s cozy, it’s flavorful, and it’s guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken

This Spinach Artichoke Chicken recipe brings creamy, tangy, and savory flavors together in one skillet. It’s a balanced dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare—especially when broken down into clear, manageable steps. Let’s walk through everything you need to create a perfectly cooked, crave-worthy meal.

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, gather and measure all your ingredients. Preparing your mise en place (everything in its place) makes the cooking process smoother and prevents surprises.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs total)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Spinach Artichoke Topping:

• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)

• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 5–6 oz fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

• 1 (14 oz) can or jar of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/3 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping, optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

• Lemon wedges

• Extra grated Parmesan

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Tender, flavorful chicken is the foundation of this dish. For the best results, season and sear the chicken to develop a golden-brown crust before baking.

Instructions:

1. Pound the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to even thickness (about 3/4 inch). This ensures they cook evenly.

2. Season generously: Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.

4. Once hot, sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. (It does not need to be fully cooked—just browned.) Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

This step builds the aromatic base for your creamy topping.

Instructions:

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.

2. Add 2 tablespoons butter and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

3. Add the fresh spinach, stirring until just wilted (about 2–3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry before adding.

4. Add the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for another 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 4: Make the Spinach Artichoke Mixture

This is where the dish begins to take on its signature creamy character.

Instructions:

1. Lower the heat to low.

2. Stir in the cream cheese and mix until fully melted and smooth.

3. Add the sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella, stirring gently until fully incorporated.

4. Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

5. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should be creamy and scoopable, not watery.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Now it’s time to layer the flavors and get ready for baking.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy mixture.

3. Spoon the spinach artichoke topping generously over each chicken breast, making sure they’re evenly coated.

4. (Optional) Sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan on top for a melty, golden finish.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Cooked Through

This final bake ensures the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld perfectly.

Instructions:

1. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven.

2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is hot and bubbly.

3. For a golden cheese crust, broil for the final 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Give the dish a few minutes to settle before digging in.

Instructions:

1. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute.

2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a touch of acidity (optional but recommended).

Serving Suggestions

Spinach Artichoke Chicken is delicious on its own or paired with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• With pasta: Spoon over buttered linguine, penne, or angel hair pasta.

• With rice or grains: Pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, wild rice, or quinoa.

• With vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, green beans, or a crisp garden salad.

• Low-carb option: Try with mashed cauliflower, spaghetti squash, or steamed zucchini ribbons.