Delicious Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy spinach chicken bake promises a delightful culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds with its rich, comforting essence.

Imagine a dish where tender chicken nestles beneath a luscious blanket of velvety sauce and vibrant greens.

Bold flavors mingle effortlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of texture and taste.

Nutritious ingredients combine to deliver a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

The recipe showcases how simple components can evolve into something extraordinary with thoughtful preparation.

Smooth, herbaceous notes dance alongside succulent protein, promising a dining experience that will leave you craving more.

Explore this mouthwatering creation that converts ordinary ingredients into an irresistible masterpiece.

Spinach Chicken Bake with a Velvety Sauce

• This recipe transforms a simple skillet cooking method into an elegant baked dish, allowing maximum flavor development without complicated steps.
• Combining tender chicken with nutrient-packed spinach creates a deliciously balanced meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome, perfect for satisfying family dinner cravings.
• Using basic pantry staples like butter, chicken broth, and cream, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly simple ingredients that most home cooks already have on hand.
• From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Spinach Chicken Bake

• Chicken Fillets: Tender and juicy protein that forms the main star of the dish, best when fresh and of high quality.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance the chicken's natural flavor, choose sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for best results.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for the sauce and helps with browning chicken, unsalted butter recommended.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and complexity to the sauce's flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds savory undertones and helps create a flavorful sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth texture and adds richness to the sauce.

• Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutrition and color, wilts beautifully in the creamy sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and creates a golden, appealing top layer.
• Flour: Helps create a light coating on chicken and assists with sauce thickening.
• Nutmeg, Parsley: Garnishes that provide final flavor enhancement and visual appeal.

How to Layer and Bake This Creamy Dish

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Lightly graze a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Coat Chicken

• Sprinkling salt
• Adding black pepper
• Dusting with flour on both sides

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

• Golden brown on exterior
• Cooked through (3-5 minutes per side)

Remove chicken and wrap in aluminum foil to retain warmth.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Scrape pan’s bottom to incorporate delicious brown bits. Reduce liquid by half, creating a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate Greens

• Wilt
• Blend with creamy mixture

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

• Simmer in sauce
• Absorb flavors

Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Assemble in Baking Dish

• Mozzarella cheese
• Optional: Sprinkle of nutmeg

Step 9: Broil to Perfection

• Cheese melts completely
• Surface turns golden brown

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Additional black pepper

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for Chicken That’s Tender and Juicy

• Flour Evenly: Dust chicken with flour using a light, consistent motion to create a perfect golden crust that locks in moisture and adds delicious texture.
• Control Skillet Heat: Maintain medium heat when browning chicken to achieve an even, golden color without burning or drying out the meat.
• Reduce Sauce Strategically: Allow sauce to reduce slowly, concentrating flavors and creating a rich, creamy consistency that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Watch Broiling Carefully: Keep a close eye during the final cheese-melting stage to prevent burning and ensure a perfectly golden, bubbly top.
• Season Progressively: Taste and adjust seasoning at each cooking stage, building depth of flavor throughout the preparation process.

Storage Advice to Keep Leftovers Tasty

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the spinach sauce separate to maintain texture.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Oven Method: Warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Uncover during the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the cheese topping.

Pair This Bake with a Simple Fresh Side

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or chardonnay cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the rich flavors and complementing the chicken's delicate texture.
• Match with Herbed Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned potatoes provide a perfect side that soaks up the luxurious sauce and adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Serve with Light Green Salad: A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a zesty, peppery counterpoint to the creamy dish, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic bread helps diners mop up every last drop of the decadent spinach and cream sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Ways to Change the Filling or Sauce

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace spinach with a mix of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme. Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella and add sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Bake: Coat chicken with Cajun seasoning before cooking. Swap spinach for bell peppers and add cayenne pepper to the sauce. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Mushroom Swiss Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions and garlic. Replace mozzarella with Swiss cheese and add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth. Incorporate thyme and parsley for earthy undertones.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute flour coating with almond flour. Replace spinach with roasted cauliflower florets. Use a lighter cream and top with a blend of parmesan and cheddar cheese for a nutritious, low-carb option.

Chicken Bake FAQs from Home Cooks

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain frozen spinach completely, squeezing out excess water before adding to the sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before broiling. Add a few extra minutes to cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

• What can I serve with this chicken bake?

Roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad work great as side dishes to complement the creamy chicken.

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting spinach chicken bake delivers a rich, cheesy melody of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your plate. Savory chicken nestled with tender spinach and melted cheese promises a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless skinless chicken fillets

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 tablespoons (57 g) salted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

Herbs, Spices, and Vegetables:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup (42 g) all purpose flour
• ½ medium sweet onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 lb (454 g) fresh spinach
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and grease a rectangular baking vessel, ensuring smooth coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Season chicken fillets with salt and pepper, then delicately dust each side with a thin flour coating.
3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium temperature and sear chicken until achieving a rich golden exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a protective foil tent.
4. Using the identical skillet, introduce remaining butter and gently caramelize onions until translucent and fragrant.
5. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté briefly to release aromatic flavors without browning.
6. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, meticulously scraping accumulated flavor fragments from the skillet’s surface.
7. Allow liquid to reduce by half, concentrating the savory essence of the sauce.
8. Introduce cream, stirring continuously and permitting the mixture to reduce and thicken.
9. Fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, allowing leaves to wilt and incorporate seamlessly.
10. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, letting it bathe in the luxurious sauce and absorbing complementary flavors.
11. Transfer chicken and spinach cream sauce into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
12. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface for a decadent, melty finish.
13. Position the dish under the broiler, watching carefully to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese crust.
14. Remove from oven and delicately garnish with a whisper of nutmeg and fresh parsley for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Golden-brown chicken ensures a delightful crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavors, creating a restaurant-quality main dish.
• Quick sautéing of onions and garlic builds a rich flavor foundation that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Reducing the sauce concentrates its taste, allowing cream and broth to create a silky, luxurious coating that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Wilting fresh spinach directly in the sauce infuses the greens with incredible depth, making even vegetable-hesitant eaters enjoy every bite.
• Broiling with mozzarella cheese creates an irresistible golden crust that adds a gorgeous visual appeal and delivers a satisfying crispy texture.
• Finishing with fresh nutmeg and parsley provides a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish from good to gourmet.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 714 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 143 mg