Name: Spinach Dip Chicken Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487552H1M18S
Total time: PT-487552H1M18S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Spinach Dip Chicken Bake for its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors. The chicken breasts are tender and juicy, while the spinach dip filling is cheesy, garlicky, and comforting. It’s a simple, one-pan dish that comes together quickly and requires minimal ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is versatile enough to serve on a busy weeknight or at a special gathering. The best part? It’s a low-carb, filling meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown (they do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the spinach dip mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and green onions (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined. If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Assemble the bake: Spread the spinach dip mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the dip mixture.
Bake the chicken: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). For extra golden-brown cheese on top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with cooking time around 30-35 minutes, making the total time for this dish around 40-45 minutes. It’s a perfect recipe for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal.

Variations

Cheesy variation: For a richer, cheesier dish, top the chicken with an extra handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Low-carb option: If you’re following a low-carb diet, serve this with steamed veggies or a simple salad instead of pasta or rice.
Chicken thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can swap the chicken breasts for bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, which will stay juicier and add a deeper flavor.
Add mushrooms: For extra flavor and texture, sauté some mushrooms and mix them into the spinach dip mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Spinach Dip Chicken Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and dip in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

This dish can also be frozen. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach. Just sauté it until wilted, then drain and chop it before using it in the dip mixture.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spinach dip mixture and sear the chicken ahead of time. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dish is cold from the fridge.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as gouda, fontina, or cheddar cheese. A blend of cheeses works well too.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make this dish spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the spinach dip mixture or add some hot sauce to the cream cheese and sour cream mixture.

5. Can I serve this dish with pasta?

Yes, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta. You can serve it over a bed of linguine, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

Spinach Dip Chicken Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of spinach dip with tender, juicy chicken. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The creamy spinach dip topping and melted cheeses elevate the chicken, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Enjoy this easy-to-make, cheesy, and savory meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!