Description
This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake features tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy, healthy spinach and artichoke mixture, all melted under a layer of mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple, flavorful bake perfect for a nutritious dinner that combines lean protein with vibrant greens and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (6-8 oz) chicken breasts
Spinach Artichoke Topping
- 2 cups packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the Spinach Artichoke Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the roughly chopped spinach, plain low-fat yogurt, drained and chopped marinated artichoke hearts, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Arrange Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Add Topping and Cheese: Evenly spread the spinach and artichoke mixture over each chicken breast. Then, lay two slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each breast. Overlapping slices is okay to ensure full coverage.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to retain its juices and enhance flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165ºF.
- If chicken breasts are larger than 8 oz, increase baking time slightly to ensure doneness.
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken breasts briefly in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Low-fat yogurt keeps the topping creamy but feel free to substitute with Greek yogurt for added protein.