This tasty chicken bake is full of flavor, packed with spinach and mushrooms, and super easy to whip up. Plus, it’s low in carbs, making it a great choice for all!
I love how quickly it comes together—just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s perfect for busy evenings, and leftovers are even better! Who doesn’t love easy meals?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and healthy. You can swap them for thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. They can be slightly juicier than breasts.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for vibrant color and taste, but you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Mushrooms: White or cremini mushrooms work great here; both add excellent flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, you could try shiitake or portobello mushrooms as substitutes.
Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but you can replace it with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version. Just know that this will change the flavor slightly.
Cheeses: I like using mozzarella for its stretchiness and Parmesan for a sharp bite. If you want a low-fat option, you could sub part-skim mozzarella and use nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be challenging. For this bake, here’s what you should pay attention to:
- Preheat the oven to the right temperature—375°F (190°C) is perfect for baking chicken.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; 165°F (74°C) is the safe point for chicken.
- Let the casserole rest after baking—this allows juices to redistribute, making the chicken juicier.
These steps will help ensure your chicken is tender and flavorful every time!
Easy Low-Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
For the Cheesy Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and comforting dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly right from the beginning!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook together for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add the Spinach:
Next, stir in the chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2 minutes. Once done, remove from the heat and set this mixture aside.
4. Season the Chicken:
While the vegetables cool slightly, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This will give your chicken a flavorful boost!
5. Assemble the Dish:
In a baking dish, place the seasoned chicken breasts side by side. Pour the cooked spinach and mushroom mixture over the top of the chicken, making sure it’s well-covered.
6. Add the Cream and Cheese:
Pour the heavy cream evenly over the stuffed chicken. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that cheesy goodness!
7. Bake:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. This helps everything settle nicely. Serve warm, and feel free to pair it with steamed or roasted low-carb vegetables for a complete meal!
Enjoy your delicious and satisfying low-carb chicken spinach mushroom bake!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to completely thaw the chicken before using it. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. This ensures even cooking in the bake.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauté the vegetables in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry after reheating.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This chicken bake pairs wonderfully with steamed or roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli. Alternatively, a simple side salad can be a fresh accompaniment to complement the flavors in the bake.
