why make this recipe
Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal without the carbs. This dish is packed with protein from the chicken, rich nutrients from the spinach and mushrooms, and plenty of cheesy goodness to keep everyone happy. It’s a simple, one-dish meal that is nutritious, easy to prepare, and can be made in under an hour.
how to make Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 small bag fresh baby spinach
- 1 dash pepper
- 1 dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 1 container green onion cream cheese (softened slightly at room temperature)
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 large package sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button mushrooms)
Directions:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, give your mushrooms a quick wipe (don’t wash them unless they’re really dirty, they soak up water!) and make sure they’re sliced. You’ll also want your baby spinach ready to go.
Pour the olive oil into the bottom of your baking dish and spread it around. Now, scatter the fresh baby spinach evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top the spinach with the sliced mushrooms.
Next, arrange the thin sliced chicken breasts over the mushroom layer in a single layer. Don’t worry if they overlap a little, but try to keep it mostly even so they cook at the same rate. Give the chicken a sprinkle of pepper and that yummy Herb and Garlic Seasoning.
Now for the creamy goodness! Take your softened green onion cream cheese and dollop spoonfuls of it all over the top of the chicken breasts. Try to distribute it somewhat evenly so you get cheesy creaminess in every bite. You can gently spread it a little if you like, but dollops work just fine!
Pour the chicken broth carefully into the baking dish around the chicken and veggies. Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish, making sure to cover everything well. This is going to be your beautiful, bubbly topping!
Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (it should no longer be pink in the center) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starts to turn golden brown around the edges. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken, so checking with a meat thermometer is always a good idea (internal temp should be 165°F or 74°C).
Carefully remove the dish from the oven (it will be hot!). Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken and the dish to set slightly. Spoon out portions and enjoy your easy, delicious, low-carb meal!
how to serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
You can serve this dish right from the baking dish for a rustic feel. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some steamed veggies to make it a complete meal. Don’t forget to offer extra cheese on the side for those who love a cheesy touch!
how to store Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
tips to make Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
- If you prefer, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda for a different flavor.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for a few hours before cooking.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the dish, as this allows for even cooking and ensures the chicken stays juicy.
variation
You can add other veggies to this bake, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes. Feel free to mix up the seasonings as well based on your tastes!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will need longer to cook. Ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This dish keeps well and is perfect for making ahead of time for lunches or dinners during the week.
Q: Can I substitute the cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can use a low-fat cream cheese or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re avoiding dairy. Just make sure it’s spreadable for even distribution.
Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the mushrooms by giving them a quick wipe and ensure they're sliced.
- Pour the olive oil into the bottom of the baking dish and spread it around.
- Scatter the fresh baby spinach evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Top the spinach with the sliced mushrooms.
- Arrange the thin sliced chicken breasts over the mushroom layer in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the chicken with pepper and Herb and Garlic Seasoning.
- Dollop the softened green onion cream cheese evenly on top of the chicken breasts.
- Pour the chicken broth carefully into the baking dish around the chicken and veggies.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer; it should be 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.