Description
This Chicken Spinach Bake is a quick and delicious oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a flavorful cream cheese and garlic mixture, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it’s easy to prepare and ready in just 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 (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Season the chicken: Evenly season all sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange the chicken 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, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the ingredients are well blended into a smooth spread.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of each chicken piece, covering the surface for full flavor integration.
- 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 over the spinach, covering each piece thoroughly.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, slice the chicken breasts in half vertically to create uniform pieces.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
