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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a tasty meal. Fresh spinach gives a nice color and adds nutrients. Artichoke hearts bring a unique flavor that pairs well with chicken. Cream cheese and sour cream create a rich and creamy sauce that makes this dish special. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses add a cheesy goodness that melts beautifully in the oven. Garlic adds a strong aroma and taste to the mix. Olive oil helps cook the garlic and keeps everything moist. Seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the flavors. This dish is not just about taste; it’s also about balance. You get protein from chicken and fiber from spinach. Plus, it’s easy to make and fun to serve. You might even consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a complete meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare chicken breasts by seasoning with salt and pepper. First, set your oven to preheat. This step is key for even cooking. While the oven warms, take your chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning adds flavor. - Heat olive oil and sauté garlic. - Add spinach and artichoke hearts. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic. Sauté for one minute until it smells great. Then, stir in the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts. Cook this mix for about two to three minutes. The spinach will wilt and blend nicely with the artichokes. - Mix cream cheese with other cheeses, spinach, and artichokes. - Spoon the mixture onto chicken breasts. Next, grab a mixing bowl. Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan. Add the cooked spinach and artichokes to this bowl. Mix it all until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the star of your dish. Spoon it generously onto the seasoned chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is well covered. - Bake chicken and monitor internal temperature. Now, place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. To be safe, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If you want a bubbly top, switch to broil for two to three minutes at the end. Keep a close watch to avoid burning. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen! To get the perfect creamy consistency, keep a few things in mind. First, use softened cream cheese. This helps it blend well with the other ingredients. Mix it with sour cream and cheese until smooth. This makes the sauce rich and creamy. Sauté garlic properly for the best flavor. Start with medium heat and add garlic to hot olive oil. Cook it for about one minute. Watch it closely. If garlic burns, it turns bitter, ruining the dish. Some side dishes work great with this chicken. Try roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli. They add color and nutrition. Garlic bread is also a hit. It soaks up the creamy sauce well. For presentation, serve the chicken on a nice platter. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Add a few fresh spinach leaves for color. This looks inviting and makes the meal feel special. You can make lighter versions of this dish easily. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It gives a creamy texture with less fat. Swap out cream cheese for low-fat cream cheese or cottage cheese for a healthier twist. You can also use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They add moisture and flavor. Consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra taste. These small changes keep the dish delicious while making it a bit healthier. Pro Tips Preparation is Key: Ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured before you start cooking. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese in the creamy mixture, such as Gouda or cheddar, to create unique flavors. Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, try to use chicken breasts that are similar in thickness or pound them to an even size before baking. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture for an extra burst of flavor and a bit of heat. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun. Try using gouda or feta for a twist. Both add unique flavors to the dish. You can also mix in veggies. Bell peppers or mushrooms work well. They add color and more taste. Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening. This keeps the dish creamy without added gluten. For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese for cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace the cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can grill or bake the chicken. Grilling gives it a smoky taste, while baking keeps it juicy. If you prefer a slow cooker, it works too. Just add the mixture to the chicken and cook on low for hours. This method keeps the flavors rich and deep. To keep your creamy spinach artichoke chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the cooled chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. For best taste, eat leftovers within three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze the dish. Cut the chicken into portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. This will keep the flavors locked in. For best results, use it within three months. To reheat your chicken, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot. You can also use a microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry it out. If stored properly, the chicken lasts in the fridge for up to three days. In the freezer, it can last for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for changes in smell, color, or texture. If anything seems off, it’s best to throw it away. How to know when chicken is fully cooked? To check if chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water. This prevents the dish from becoming too watery. Fresh spinach gives a bright flavor, but frozen works well too. Can I make this dish in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. When you're ready, season the chicken and add the mixture before baking. This saves time on busy nights. What can I substitute for cream cheese? If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Both provide creaminess, but the flavor will be slightly different. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese if you prefer. How many servings does this recipe provide? This recipe serves four people. It’s perfect for a small family dinner or a gathering with friends. Nutritional information breakdown per serving - Calories: About 400 - Protein: 30g - Fat: 25g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Fiber: 2g This dish offers a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a hearty meal option. This blog post shared a simple, tasty recipe for creamy spinach and artichoke chicken. You learned about each ingredient and step in detail. I also covered useful tips, variations, and storage advice. By following this guide, you can create a dish that impresses everyone. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to fit your taste. Enjoy your culinary journey and savor your delicious creation!

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish featuring spinach and artichokes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  • Add the spinach and artichoke mixture to the cream cheese bowl and stir until fully combined.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in a greased baking dish.
  • Spoon the creamy spinach and artichoke mixture generously over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well covered.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • For an extra bubbly top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a platter with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and a few fresh spinach leaves for color. A side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread pairs wonderfully!
Keyword artichoke, baked, chicken, creamy, spinach