Introduction
Cooking is a passion of mine, and Iβm always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also healthy. Recently, I tried a Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish that has quickly become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach creates a colorful and satisfying meal that everyone enjoyed, even my picky eater! The flavors meld beautifully, and the cheesy topping adds a rich, creamy finish that makes this dish feel indulgent without the guilt. I love how easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. If youβre looking for a nutritious and flavorful meal that the whole family will love, this recipe is a must-try!
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
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large package sliced mushrooms
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). In a 9Γ13 inch baking dish, lay the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Layer the Vegetables: Top the chicken with the fresh baby spinach and sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle the pepper and herb and garlic seasoning evenly over the top.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, soften the green onion cream cheese. Whisk in the olive oil and chicken broth until well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the dish with a piece of foil, but do not seal it tightly.
- First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve the Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish hot, straight from the oven.
- Pair it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Consider serving it with:
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Zucchini noodles for a twist on traditional pasta.
- Crusty bread for those who arenβt watching carbs.
Additional Tips
- Chicken Breast Thickness: Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for even cooking. If you canβt find thin slices, consider butterflying or pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Cream Cheese Alternatives: If you donβt have green onion cream cheese, regular cream cheese works fine. Just add some chopped green onions for flavor.
- Mushroom Varieties: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for added flavor.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Leftover Use: This dish is great for using leftover chicken or vegetables. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Swap: Substitute the herb and garlic seasoning with Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors well.
- Garnish: Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving for a fresh touch.
- Serving Dish: Present in a beautiful ceramic or glass dish to make it visually appealing for guests.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.
2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165Β°F (75Β°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and bake it when youβre ready to serve.
4. What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use turkey or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh.
5. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, itβs perfect for meal prep! Portion it out for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
6. Can I add more cheese?
Feel free to add more cheese to your liking. Just be aware it may increase the calorie count.
7. What sides go well with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice.
8. How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not spicy unless you choose to add red pepper flakes or other spicy ingredients.
9. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
10. What should I do if itβs too dry?
If the dish seems dry, you can add a bit more chicken broth or olive oil before baking.
Conclusion
The Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish is a fantastic addition to any dinner table. Not only is it easy to make, but it also combines wholesome ingredients that are packed with flavor and nutrition. This dish has quickly become a family favorite, and Iβm confident it will be a hit in your household too. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and hearty chicken, itβs the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether youβre trying to eat healthier or just looking for a delicious recipe, give this dish a tryβyou wonβt be disappointed!
PrintChicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish ππ
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 Serving 1x
Description
This flavorful low-carb oven dish combines tender chicken breasts with fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, and a creamy green onion sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Itβs a satisfying meal thatβs both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
- 6 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- 1 small bag fresh baby spinach
- 1 large package sliced mushrooms
- 1 container green onion cream cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 dash pepper
- 1 dash herb and garlic seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Prepare the Pan: In a 9Γ13-inch baking dish, arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Add Vegetables: Top the chicken with the fresh baby spinach and sliced mushrooms.
- Season: Sprinkle the pepper and herb and garlic seasoning evenly over the top.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, soften the green onion cream cheese. Whisk in the olive oil and chicken broth until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the baking dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil, ensuring itβs not sealed tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic to the cream cheese mixture.
- If green onion cream cheese is unavailable, substitute with regular cream cheese and add finely chopped green onions.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- For added texture, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella.
- This dish pairs well with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg