Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake offers a delicious twist on a classic dip, transformed into a hearty, wholesome meal. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a nutritious dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-8 oz) chicken breasts*
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, yogurt, artichokes, garlic powder, and dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Step 3: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13 baking dish. Evenly spread the spinach mixture over the chicken breasts.
4. Step 4: Place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, overlapping the slices as needed to cover them.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
6. Step 6: Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the spinach mixture.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of plain low-fat yogurt for a creamier texture and more protein.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different melt and flavor.
• Serve with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. To maintain moisture, cover loosely with foil during reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Be sure to thoroughly thaw and drain any excess water before mixing it with the other ingredients to avoid a watery dish.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, this dish is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a great option for low-carb or keto-friendly meal plans.

Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 62 reviews

This Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy mixture of spinach, artichokes, and yogurt, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy baked meal perfect for a wholesome dinner that’s packed with protein and vegetables.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 (6-8 oz) chicken breasts

Spinach Artichoke Mixture

• 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

Topping

• 8 slices mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to prepare for baking the chicken. This ensures the oven is hot enough for even cooking.
2. Prepare Spinach Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped baby spinach, plain low-fat yogurt, drained and chopped artichoke hearts, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Mix well to create a creamy, flavorful topping for the chicken.
3. Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish to allow even cooking. Spread the spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
4. Add Cheese: Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese. It’s okay if the cheese slices overlap slightly; they will melt down over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the chicken breast size; ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (75ºC) for safety.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Notes

• You can use fresh or frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if baby spinach is unavailable.
• Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer for food safety.
• Marinated artichoke hearts add extra flavor, but you can substitute with plain canned artichokes if needed.
• For a dairy-free version, swap mozzarella cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt.

Keywords: Healthy chicken bake, spinach artichoke chicken, baked chicken recipe, low-fat chicken dinner, easy chicken bake