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
Scale
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
