Description
This delicious low-carb oven-baked chicken dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy spinach and mushroom sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Sauce
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet containing the mushrooms and spinach. Stir the mixture to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the vegetables.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top to cover the sauce and chicken.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the sauce is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the dish warm and enjoy a creamy, flavorful low-carb meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly, but ensure to replace chicken breasts with a vegetarian protein accordingly.
- For a lower fat option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce can add a slight kick for spice lovers.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave and stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
