Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, yet healthy dish that’s packed with protein, veggies, and plenty of cheese, Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is the recipe you need. This savory bake combines tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and a melty, creamy cheese sauce that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile and customizable. You can adjust the seasonings, change up the cheeses, and even add other vegetables to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather the right tools and equipment to make the cooking process easier and more efficient.

Cooking Equipment:

• Large Skillet: For sautéing the chicken and spinach. A non-stick skillet is preferred to avoid any sticking.
• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): This size is ideal for holding all the ingredients and allowing the dish to bake evenly.
• Medium Saucepan: For making the creamy cheese sauce.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the chicken, garlic, and any other vegetables or herbs.
• Whisk: To help combine the cream cheese and heavy cream smoothly when making the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring your ingredients.

Optional Tools:

• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Salad Spinner: If using fresh spinach, a salad spinner helps dry it quickly after washing.
• Basting Brush: If you want to brush the top of the bake with a little melted butter before adding the breadcrumb topping for extra crispness.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts (or thighs) for the bake.

1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (165°F/74°C).
3. Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach

While the chicken is resting, cook the spinach.

1. Sauté the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, add a little olive oil to the same skillet you used for the chicken. Sauté the spinach over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until wilted. If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it thoroughly, then sauté it in the skillet for a few minutes until the moisture is evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Set Aside: Once the spinach is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Now, it’s time to make the creamy, cheesy sauce.

1. Cook the Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the saucepan and stir until it melts and becomes smooth.
3. Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted completely. Add the onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Now that all the components are prepared, it’s time to assemble the bake.

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
2. Layer the Chicken and Spinach: Start by spreading a layer of the cooked chicken pieces in the bottom of the baking dish. Follow with a layer of cooked spinach. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the top.
3. Add Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter (this helps them crisp up in the oven). Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the cheesy chicken and spinach mixture. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Step 5: Serve

Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Spinach for Better Texture:

Fresh spinach wilts down and retains a better texture than frozen spinach, which can sometimes become watery. However, if using frozen spinach, make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the bake.

2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken:

Searing the chicken ensures it stays juicy and flavorful. Overcooking can make it dry and tough. Be sure to check the internal temperature and remove it from the pan once it reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. Cream Cheese for the Best Sauce:

Using cream cheese as the base of the sauce creates a rich, smooth texture. Don’t substitute it with low-fat options unless necessary, as it might affect the creaminess of the dish.

4. Adjust the Cheese:

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on your preferences. Cheddar, gouda, or fontina are all excellent alternatives to mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Make It Ahead:

This dish can easily be made ahead of time. Simply prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Variations and Customizations

1. Add More Veggies:

For extra flavor and nutrition, add other vegetables to the bake. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. You can also mix in some zucchini or eggplant for a Mediterranean twist.

2. Add Bacon:

For an added smoky flavor, crisp up some bacon and crumble it over the top of the bake before serving.

3. Use Chicken Thighs:

Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Swap the breasts for thighs if you want a richer flavor and tenderness.

4. Make It Spicy:

Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce or sprinkle on top before baking to give the dish a spicy kick.

5. Make It Low-Carb/Keto:

If you’re following a keto diet, you can skip the breadcrumbs and use a mixture of ground almonds or parmesan cheese to top the bake.

Meal Prep Ideas

This dish makes a great meal prep option. You can prepare it ahead of time, divide it into individual portions, and refrigerate or freeze. The flavors deepen after sitting for a day or two, making it a great choice for meal prepping.

Pairing Suggestions

• Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bake.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of crispy garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment to soak up the cheesy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the bake with roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is a perfect comfort food that’s both flavorful and versatile. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a meal prep session, or a special gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious spinach, it’s a wholesome meal that everyone will love.

Additional Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Even though the Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is straightforward, there are a few additional tips to make sure everything goes smoothly and you get the most flavorful, well-textured result every time.

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients for the Sauce

For a smoother, more cohesive sauce, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the saucepan. Cold cream cheese can cause clumps in the sauce, which might be difficult to smooth out. Leave it out for 15-20 minutes before you start cooking, or microwave it in short bursts to soften it.

2. Layering is Key for Even Distribution

When assembling the bake, make sure that the ingredients are evenly layered in the baking dish. Spread the spinach and chicken in an even layer so that every bite has a perfect mix of chicken, spinach, and cheese sauce. This also helps the bake cook evenly, ensuring the cheese is melted throughout.

3. Don’t Over-Bake the Dish

Over-baking can dry out the chicken and cause the cheese sauce to separate. Once the top is golden brown and bubbly (usually after 20-25 minutes in the oven at 375°F), check the bake to ensure it’s done. The chicken should remain tender and juicy, and the spinach should be just perfectly wilted.

4. Don’t Skip the Topping

The crispy breadcrumb topping adds both texture and flavor contrast to the creamy and tender components underneath. Even if you’re trying to reduce carbs, consider using a low-carb breadcrumb alternative or crushed nuts as a topping. Without this, the dish might feel one-dimensional in terms of texture.

5. Use High-Quality Cheese

For the best possible flavor, always go for fresh, high-quality cheese. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce. For the creamiest result, shred your cheese yourself from blocks of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Creative Variations and Add-Ins

Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is a versatile dish, and you can easily make it your own by adding or changing ingredients to suit your personal taste or dietary needs. Here are some creative ways to customize the recipe:

1. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For a burst of flavor, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes either chopped or sliced. The sweet-tartness of sun-dried tomatoes pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and adds a Mediterranean flair to the dish.

2. Swap the Chicken for Turkey

If you want to switch up the protein, try ground turkey or turkey breast instead of chicken. Turkey has a lighter flavor but still pairs well with the rich cheese sauce and spinach. Ground turkey can also be sautéed and mixed in with the spinach before baking for an even quicker preparation.

3. Add Mushrooms

Sautéing mushrooms along with the garlic and spinach adds earthy, savory flavors to the bake. Mushrooms absorb the creamy cheese sauce, making each bite more satisfying.

4. Switch to a Pesto Sauce

If you’re craving a more vibrant, herby flavor, swap out the garlic and Italian seasoning for a spoonful of pesto sauce. The fresh basil and nutty Parmesan flavors will give your chicken bake an Italian twist that pairs perfectly with the spinach.

5. Add Bacon or Pancetta

For a smoky, crispy bite, bacon or pancetta can be crumbled on top or mixed in with the chicken. The saltiness of the bacon contrasts with the creamy sauce and adds depth to the dish.

6. Use Zucchini or Eggplant

If you want to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding zucchini or eggplant. These veggies are great for bulking up the dish without adding a lot of calories, and they soak up the cheesy sauce beautifully.

7. Make it Spicy

If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeño into the sauce or on top of the bake before cooking. The heat balances the richness of the cheese and adds complexity to the flavor profile.

8. Dairy-Free or Vegan Version

For a dairy-free or vegan version, use vegan cheese (there are many brands available now that melt beautifully) and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. You can also use a plant-based cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free sauce base. Don’t forget to check that the breadcrumbs are also vegan if you’re following a plant-based diet.

How to Make the Bake Gluten-Free

If you need the dish to be gluten-free, here’s how to adjust the recipe:

1. Use Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

You can find gluten-free breadcrumbs in most grocery stores, or you can make your own by pulsing gluten-free bread in a food processor. Just be sure to check the label to ensure the breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free.

2. Cornstarch in the Sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce without using flour, cornstarch is a great option for thickening the cheese sauce. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering.

3. Make a Quinoa Base

For a heartier dish with some extra fiber, consider adding quinoa to the bottom of the baking dish before layering the chicken, spinach, and cheese sauce. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and will absorb some of the flavors of the sauce, adding texture and making the bake even more filling.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake

To make this dish feel like a complete meal, consider pairing it with some light, refreshing sides and beverages. Here are a few ideas:

Side Dishes:

1. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: A crispy, buttery bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up any extra cheese sauce.
2. Cauliflower Rice or Quinoa: If you want to keep things lower in carbs, serve the bake with cauliflower rice or quinoa for added texture and fiber.
3. Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower are excellent vegetable sides that pair well with the creamy chicken bake.
4. Crisp Salad: A light green salad with arugula, baby spinach, cucumbers, and a simple lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.

Beverage Pairings:

1. White Wine: A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the richness of the chicken and cheese.
2. Sparkling Water: A refreshing, non-alcoholic option would be sparkling water with a wedge of lime or lemon to balance the flavors.
3. Iced Tea: Light, unsweetened iced tea with lemon is a crisp, refreshing option to accompany the dish.

The Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is a fantastic recipe that combines simplicity, flavor, and nutrition into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner, a meal prep solution, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe will deliver every time. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and

Yield: 4

Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake Recipe

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If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, yet healthy dish that’s packed with protein, veggies, and plenty of cheese, Cheesy Chicken Spinach Bake is the recipe you need. This savory bake combines tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and a melty, creamy cheese sauce that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken & Spinach:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Creamy Sauce:
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for color)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and provolone)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (or more if needed for sauce consistency)
• For Topping (Optional):
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
• 1 tbsp butter (melted, for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
• Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and browned. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.

2. Wilt the Spinach:

• In the same skillet, add a little more oil (if needed) and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
• Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly drained and then sauté it with the garlic for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and milk. Stir until smooth and well combined.
• Add 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce and mix until the cheese is melted into the sauce.

4. Combine Chicken, Spinach, and Sauce:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, and creamy cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.

5. Assemble the Bake:

• Transfer the chicken and spinach mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish or any similar-sized oven-safe dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture.

6. Optional Topping:

• If you’d like a crunchy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the cheese layer.

7. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. If using breadcrumbs, bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the topping to crisp up.

8. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

• Chicken Options: You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even chicken thighs in this recipe for more flavor. If using chicken thighs, be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Spinach Options: Fresh spinach is the best option for its texture and flavor, but if using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid a watery dish. You can also use other greens like kale or arugula for a slightly different taste.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella and Parmesan give the dish a classic creamy and cheesy texture, you can get creative with other cheeses. Try using a bit of Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or cheddar for an extra sharpness. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well.
• Creaminess: The sauce is fairly rich, but if you’d like a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese for Greek yogurt, the mayonnaise for a bit of extra sour cream, or use half-and-half instead of milk. For even more creaminess, add a little bit of heavy cream or a splash of chicken broth for a thinner sauce.
• Topping Options: The optional breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch, but if you prefer a completely cheesy top, you can skip it and just add more shredded cheese. For extra flavor, you can mix in some dried herbs (like Italian seasoning) into the breadcrumbs.
• Make-Ahead: This cheesy chicken spinach bake is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare everything in advance, assemble the dish, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge).
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with garlic bread, quinoa, or rice for a more filling meal. It’s a great low-carb option if you skip the breadcrumbs, and it’s a family-friendly dinner that even picky eaters will love.