Description
This Chicken Spinach Bake recipe is a quick and delicious oven-baked dish perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and topped with a creamy garlic-Italian cream cheese mixture, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal 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
Other
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Season the chicken: Evenly season all sides of the chicken cutlets with kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of each chicken piece, coating them thoroughly.
- Add spinach and mozzarella: Place fresh spinach leaves evenly on top of each chicken piece over the cream cheese layer. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the spinach.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the mozzarella cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For even cooking, slice chicken breasts vertically to create uniform cutlets.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on spice preference.
- Ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F to avoid undercooking.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
