This comforting chicken bake is packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy mushrooms, all smothered in creamy goodness. It’s a great low-carb choice for dinner!
Honestly, this bake has it all! I love how the flavors mix together, making it feel fancy without the fuss. Plus, it’s easy enough that even I can manage it on a busy night! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for a quick bake. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for extra moisture or even rotisserie chicken if you want to save time.
Mushrooms: I use regular button mushrooms for this dish because of their mild flavor. You could substitute with cremini or portobello mushrooms if you’re looking for a deeper taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect for this recipe, but you could use frozen spinach in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Cheeses: I like using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for creaminess and flavor. Feel free to swap them with cheddar or Gouda if you’re a fan of those cheeses.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-carb cream alternative. Coconut cream also works if you don’t mind the slight coconut flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken breasts can be tricky as they can dry out easily. Here are a few tips to ensure juicy chicken:
- Always pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking times.
- Don’t skip the browning step! It adds flavor and helps seal in juices.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C).
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Easy Low-Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious low-carb chicken bake will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, totaling around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when we pop the bake in later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it for a little extra flavor. This will help create a nice base for the dish.
3. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely browned. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms become soft and slightly browned. This adds flavor to our bake!
5. Add the Spinach:
Next, throw in the fresh spinach. Stir it around for about 2 minutes until it wilts down. It’s a great way to sneak in those greens!
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and give it a good stir. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens up just a bit.
7. Assemble the Bake:
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the creamy spinach and mushroom mixture over them. It should be nice and saucy!
8. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of everything. Cheese makes everything better, doesn’t it?
9. Bake to Perfection:
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the cheese should be all melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it warm and enjoy your delicious low-carb dinner!
There you have it! A hearty, low-carb meal that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it first for even cooking! Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then store everything separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just combine and bake until warm.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Adding a splash of cream can help refresh the sauce if it thickens too much.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, you can substitute heavy cream with unsweetened coconut cream or half-and-half. Just be aware that coconut cream may impart a slight coconut flavor to the dish.
