Description
This Chicken Spinach Bake is a simple, flavorful oven-baked recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy garlic-seasoned cream cheese spread, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines comforting textures and savory tastes in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half vertically for a total of 4 cutlet pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Toppings
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the dish aside while you prepare the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Evenly season all sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until smooth and well combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the top of each chicken piece.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Place fresh spinach leaves evenly on top of the cream cheese layer on each chicken piece. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the spinach layers.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy your savory Chicken Spinach Bake.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella before baking.
- To make the dish spicier, do not omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture; frozen spinach can add moisture and change the dish consistency.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
