Spinach Chicken Bake (Print-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
2 big chicken breasts with no bones or skin
→ Marinade
02 -
3 cloves garlic, chopped up
03 -
1 tablespoon of Italian herbs blend
04 -
2 tablespoons olive oil, split between marinade and cooking
05 -
half a teaspoon black pepper
06 -
half a teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables
07 -
2 handfuls (about 2 cups) of fresh spinach leaves
→ Cheeses
08 -
half a cup of Parmesan cheese if you want
09 -
8 oz cream cheese, let it soften first
10 -
1 whole cup shredded mozzarella, just save half for topping later
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Let the oven stay hot at 400°F (204°C). Bake your dish for 20-30 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and chicken’s cooked through. Take it out and rest for a few minutes before cutting in.
02 -
Drop the creamy spinach mixture onto the chicken. Scatter the leftover mozzarella over everything.
03 -
If you like, quickly brown the marinated chicken (about one or two minutes each side) in a hot skillet for some golden color. Lay the pieces flat in your greased baking dish.
04 -
Grab your cream cheese and beat it smooth. Mix in the wilted spinach, half of the shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Make sure everything’s mixed well.
05 -
Grab a skillet, pour in the last tablespoon of olive oil, and heat it on medium. Toss in spinach and stir around until it shrinks and wilts—this takes just a few minutes. Take off the heat once done.
06 -
Stir together 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Drop in your chicken pieces, stir to coat, then cover and let them chill (in the fridge) for 15-30 minutes.
07 -
Lay your chicken flat and chop it in half the wide way to end up with four pieces. Use a rolling pin and gently pound’em so they’re about the same thickness.
08 -
Before you do anything, set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease up your 9×13 inch dish with butter or a little spray. Set it aside for now.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Searing the chicken before baking makes it taste better and gives it a nice crust.
02 -
Cheese you shred yourself melts smoother and tastes richer than the pre-shredded bags.