Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Creamy Spinach and Cheese Baked Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 10 reviews

This creamy spinach and chicken bake is a perfect cozy weeknight comfort meal. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a luscious ricotta and spinach mixture, then baked with melted mozzarella for a cheesy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 pound Chicken Breast (Rotisserie chicken can be substituted to reduce prep time)

Cheese & Dairy

  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (Cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded, dairy-free cheese can be used as substitute)
  • 1/2 cup Cream (Coconut cream or almond cream for dairy-free option)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 cups Spinach (Fresh preferred; frozen spinach can be thawed and moisture squeezed out)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh preferred; garlic powder can be alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be used instead)

Other

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients and prepare your baking dish for assembly.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Cook Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent cooking the cheese mixture too quickly.
  4. Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed garlic and spinach with ricotta cheese, cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
  5. Layer Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  6. Spread Spinach Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy spinach mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring an even layer.
  7. Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spinach layer to create a cheesy crust when baked.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) indicating it is fully cooked.
  9. Broil for Crispiness: Switch the oven to broil and cook the dish an additional 2-3 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and the bake to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time and prep.
  • For a lighter version, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese and use less cream.
  • Frozen spinach should be fully thawed and excess water squeezed out to avoid watery bake.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
  • Broiling at the end adds a crispy, golden cheese crust—watch closely to avoid burning.
  • You can substitute dairy-free cheeses and creams to make this recipe dairy-free.
  • Fresh herbs can enhance flavor if Italian seasoning is not available.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/creamy-spinach-and-cheese-baked-chicken-recipe/