Description
This Baked Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms is a savory, healthy main course featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and aromatic garlic, all baked under a golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it’s gluten-free and low-carb, combining fresh ingredients with easy preparation to deliver a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or extra olive oil for greasing
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1½ cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish using cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and moisture has evaporated, enhancing their rich flavors.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in minced garlic and chopped spinach. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste.
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the greased baking dish and season both sides with salt and pepper evenly to build flavor.
- Assemble Toppings: Spoon the sautéed spinach and mushroom mixture evenly atop each chicken breast, ensuring a generous, flavorful layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella (or provolone) and grated Parmesan cheese over the spinach and mushroom topping to create a creamy, golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes to allow the chicken to cook thoroughly while keeping the moisture.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices before serving warm.
Notes
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the skillet when sautéing the mushrooms and spinach for added depth of flavor.
- Serve this dish over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to make it a heartier meal.
- For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower mash or a fresh green salad to keep the meal light and nutritious.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
