
This creamy Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Bake is a delicious, comforting meal packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, garlic, and melted cheese. Baked in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s an easy one-dish dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and full of satisfying protein.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 lb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Spinach and Mushroom Sauce: - 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping: - ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub them with olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken (optional): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden. It does not need to be cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Cook the mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and golden.
- Add garlic and spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Lower the heat. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat.
- Assemble the dish: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the spinach and mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in its thickest part and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Use evenly sized chicken breasts: If some pieces are very thick, pound them gently to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Avoid watery sauce: Cook mushrooms until their moisture evaporates before adding the spinach and cream.
- Make it extra cheesy: Add a little more mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Add more vegetables: Sliced zucchini or roasted red peppers make delicious additions.
- For a lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, although the sauce will be less rich.
- For meal prep: Divide into individual portions after cooling and refrigerate.
Nut Information & Allergens
Does this recipe contain nuts? - Peanuts: Not included.
- Almonds: Not included.
- Walnuts: Not included.
- Cashews: Not included.
- Pecans: Not included.
- Pistachios: Not included.
- Other tree nuts: Not included.
Potential allergens: - Milk and dairy: Heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and butter.
- Check chicken broth and seasonings for additional ingredients or allergen warnings.
Nut-free: The listed ingredients contain no nuts, but check packaged products for possible nut cross-contact warnings.
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients, especially broth and seasonings, are verified gluten-free.
Low-carb: Yes. This recipe uses no flour, breadcrumbs, or added sugar.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 55 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with the size of the chicken breasts and brands of dairy products, broth, and cheese.
Q&A
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce and season the chicken a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully. Adjust the baking time as needed and cook until they reach at least 165°F (74°C).
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes. With approximately 6 grams of estimated net carbohydrates per serving, it can fit many keto and low-carb meal plans.
Q: Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
A: Yes. You can replace the cream cheese with additional heavy cream, although the sauce will be thinner.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this chicken dish?
A: Yes, but creamy sauces may change texture slightly after thawing. Freeze in airtight portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What should I serve with this dish?
A: Serve it with cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, zucchini noodles, steamed green beans, or a fresh cucumber salad for a delicious low-carb meal.
Q: How can I make it lower in sodium?
A: Use no-salt-added chicken broth, reduce the added salt, and choose lower-sodium cheeses when available. Check product labels because cheese and broth can contribute significant sodium.
