Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with wholesome chicken, look no further than this Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken breasts topped with a luscious mixture of spinach, artichokes, and cheeses that bake together into a golden, bubbly delight. This recipe is incredibly straightforward yet delivers big on flavor—a total win for busy weeknights or anytime you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine, and thankfully, they are simple but pack a punch of flavor and texture. Each component works beautifully to create a creamy, savory topping that complements the juicy chicken beneath.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious topping flavors.
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Adds a tender, slightly tangy bite with a pleasant texture contrast.
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: Offers a fresh pop of color and earthy depth while keeping the dish healthy.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Brings luscious creaminess that binds the topping together perfectly.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and a subtle salty kick.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistible melty stretch and mild taste everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Keeps the topping rich and moist while enhancing the overall creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Packs a punch of savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweet onion flavor that rounds everything out.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing balance and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds a hint of fruity richness to the baking dish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Provides a bright, herbal finish that lifts the final presentation.
How to Make Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with olive oil or non-stick spray. This simple step ensures your chicken won’t stick and will cook evenly, helping everything come together smoothly.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Artichoke Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until smooth and creamy. This topping blends tangy, cheesy, and flavorful elements into a rich mixture that’s just begging to be spooned over chicken.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared dish. Season both sides with salt and pepper—this simple step enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and ensures every bite is flavorful.
Step 4: Spread the Topping
Spoon the spinach-artichoke mixture over each chicken breast, spreading it out so the chicken is fully covered. This generous layer will bake into a golden, slightly crispy crust that’s creamy underneath—absolutely the best part!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s cooked through (the internal temperature should hit 165°F or 74°C) and the topping is bubbly and lightly golden. The oven does the magic here, melding all the textures and flavors into a harmonious dish.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor before digging in.
How to Serve Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are a wonderful way to brighten this dish just before serving. They add not only gorgeous color but also a touch of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides such as steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or even a crisp green salad. The idea is to complement the creamy richness of the chicken without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive yet easy presentation, serve the chicken on a colorful platter garnished with lemon wedges or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. You can also plate it alongside a swirl of herbed rice or creamy mashed potatoes for that extra comforting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled well ensures the chicken stays juicy and the topping retains its creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the chicken with topping in a freezer-safe dish or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain that bubbly topping. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it may make the topping slightly soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, make sure to sauté it lightly and squeeze out all excess water before mixing it into the topping to avoid sogginess.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mayonnaise and check the seasoning labels.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives, but keep in mind the dish’s creamy texture will be slightly different.
How can I add more spice to the dish?
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the topping mix for a subtle kick without overwhelming the flavors.
What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be opaque and juices run clear when cut.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe is such a wonderful meal to have in your rotation. It’s easy, comforting, and hits all those crave-worthy notes with creamy spinach and tangy artichokes hugging tender chicken. You’ll love how effortlessly elegant it tastes with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners!
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Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke topping. It’s a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, featuring a delightful blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, and savory seasonings baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Spinach Artichoke Topping
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Spinach Artichoke Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry spinach, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth, forming a rich and creamy topping mixture.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each chicken breast to enhance their flavor before baking.
- Top the Chicken: Spoon and spread the prepared spinach-artichoke mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring all are fully covered with the creamy topping for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the dish is ready to serve.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness before serving hot.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach is thoroughly squeezed dry to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute fresh spinach if preferred; just sauté it briefly and drain excess moisture.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the topping mixture for a mild heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
