Description
This Baked Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms is a delicious and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients baked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
Vegetable and Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and tender.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Remove the mixture from heat.
- Add Cream Cheese and Season: Mix in the softened cream cheese until it melts and combines well with the veggies. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme if using.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Top Chicken: Spread the spinach and mushroom mixture evenly over each chicken breast, creating a flavorful topping.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the spinach and mushroom layer.
- Bake: Bake the chicken breasts uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh spinach and mushrooms to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can substitute mozzarella with another mild melting cheese if preferred.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking, or pound them gently if needed.
- If cream cheese is too firm, soften it slightly in the microwave for easier mixing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
