Creamy Low Carb Chicken Bake

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup spinach, wilted (fresh or frozen, drained) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken breasts provide a great base. Cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan create that luscious, cheesy layer. Spinach adds color and nutrition. Garlic and Italian seasoning give it depth and flavor. Paprika adds a nice hint of spice. Salt and pepper balance everything perfectly. Using fresh or frozen spinach is easy. Just make sure to drain it well if you use frozen. I love the combination of flavors in this dish. Each bite is a delight! You can even switch up the cheeses based on what you have at home. Enjoy the cooking process. It’s fun to mix and match! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Grease the baking dish with olive oil. Start by getting your oven nice and hot. This step is key for a perfect bake. While the oven warms, grab your baking dish and coat it with olive oil. This helps the chicken not stick and adds flavor. - Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Next, take your chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika evenly over them. This simple mix brings out the chicken's natural taste. Make sure to cover all sides for the best flavor. - Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. - Fold in wilted spinach. Now, let’s make the creamy cheese mixture. In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir it well until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the wilted spinach. This adds a pop of color and nutrients to your dish. - Spread cheese mixture over chicken and bake for 25-30 minutes. Take your cheese-spinach mix and spread it over the seasoned chicken. Cover it well for a rich flavor. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen! - Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through. Aim for 165°F. - Let the dish cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors settle. - Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a mixed greens salad. This adds color and crunch. - Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flair. It makes the dish pop. - Experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors. Try cheddar or gouda. - Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This gives your dish a nice heat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will give a brighter flavor and better texture than frozen. If using frozen, ensure it’s thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Check Chicken Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal juiciness. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses, such as gouda or cheddar, for a different flavor profile. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain the juices and makes for a more flavorful bite. {{image_2}} You can switch things up by using different proteins. Turkey or shrimp works well in this recipe. They bring their own flavors and keep the dish exciting. You can also use heavy cream instead of cream cheese. This change gives a richer sauce that enhances the meal. If you want a dairy-free option, try using non-dairy cream cheese. There are many cheese alternatives available now. These swaps let you enjoy the dish without dairy. Adding different herbs or spices can really change the taste. You might try thyme for a fresh note or cumin for a warm flavor. These simple changes can make the dish unique every time you cook it. To store leftovers in the fridge, first let the dish cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken moist and fresh. You can store it for up to three days. Always label the container with the date. For long-term storage, freezing works well. First, let the chicken bake cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped dish in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place the chicken bake in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. Check the center with a fork to ensure it's hot. Enjoy the creamy flavors just like the first time! This recipe serves 4 people. You can share it with family or friends. If you need more, just double the ingredients. Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook. Make sure to check the internal temperature. It's great alongside low-carb vegetables or salads. Steamed broccoli or a mixed greens salad works well. You can add a light dressing for extra flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This way, you know it's safe to eat. The chicken should look white and no longer pink inside. This blog post covered a rich, creamy low-carb chicken bake recipe. You learned about the main and additional ingredients, along with step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for cooking, serving, and flavor options to make your dish shine. Remember, you can vary the recipe to suit your needs. Proper storage and reheating help keep leftovers fresh. Overall, this dish is easy, tasty, and perfect for any meal. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Low Carb Chicken Bake

A delicious low-carb chicken dish baked with a creamy cheese and spinach topping.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup spinach, wilted (fresh or frozen, drained)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, then place them in the baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Gently fold the wilted spinach into the cheese mixture until evenly incorporated.
Spread the creamy spinach-cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is bubbly and golden.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a mixed greens salad for a complete low-carb meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color.

Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, low carb, spinach