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Cheesy Garlic Chicken & Spinach Bake - Comforting, Creamy, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 thighs)
  • Spinach: 5–6 cups fresh baby spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
  • Garlic: 5–6 cloves, finely minced
  • Cream: 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened
  • Cheese blend: 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella + 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Butter or olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (optional, for a looser sauce)
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon: Zest of 1 lemon + 1 tablespoon juice
  • Onion or shallot: 1 small, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • Fresh parsley or basil: For garnish

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar casserole.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat olive oil). Add the onion or shallot and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make the sauce base: Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream and cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth. If you prefer a thinner sauce, stir in the chicken broth a little at a time.
  5. Flavor boost: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Wilt the spinach: Add fresh spinach by the handful, stirring until it wilts into the sauce. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s very well drained and stir it in now.
  7. Layer in the dish: Spread the spinach-garlic cream sauce in the prepared baking dish. Nestle the seasoned chicken into the sauce so it’s partially submerged.
  8. Add the cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top, then shower with Parmesan. For extra color, you can drizzle a touch of olive oil over the cheese.
  9. Bake: Place on the center rack and bake 22–28 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly.
  10. Optional broil: For a golden top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
  11. Rest and garnish: Let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
  12. Serve: Spoon sauce and spinach over the chicken. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the creamy goodness.