Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken

Let’s talk about comfort food with a twist! If you love the classic spinach artichoke dip, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy, cheesy spinach-artichoke mixture—baked to perfection with zero fuss! This recipe is super easy, flavorful, and comes together quickly. Perfect for those days when you want something indulgent but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken

• No-Fuss Recipe: It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. You don’t have to worry about any complicated steps or hours of prep.
• Creamy & Cheesy: The spinach-artichoke topping brings all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave in one bite.
• Perfectly Juicy Chicken: The chicken stays tender and juicy while absorbing all the rich flavors from the topping.
• Family-Friendly: A great recipe for kids and adults alike. It’s comfort food that’s packed with flavor and easy to make for the whole family.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: This is a great recipe for meal prepping! You can make it in advance and have it ready to go for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, arranging them evenly.

Step 3: Make the Spinach-Artichoke Topping

1. In a bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering them completely.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 43g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Potassium: 780mg
• Calcium: 300mg
• Iron: 2mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken

• With Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
• With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: The rich and creamy chicken topping pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
• With a Salad: Keep things light by serving the chicken with a simple green salad, tossed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt.

Additional Tips

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs over breasts, feel free to swap them out. The cooking time may vary slightly.
• Add Extra Flavor: Feel free to add a dash of lemon juice or crushed red pepper flakes for extra zing or heat!
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the chicken and spinach-artichoke topping the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven.
• Swap the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, try cheddar or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A1: Yes! Just be sure to cook and drain the fresh spinach before adding it to the mixture. About 2 cups of fresh spinach will work.

Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A2: Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives to make it dairy-free.

Q3: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A3: Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F when cooked through.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can assemble the chicken and topping ahead of time, then bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Q5: How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
A5: You can mix in some chopped mushrooms, red bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes into the spinach-artichoke topping for added flavor and texture.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover it well with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Q7: Can I make the topping spicy?
A7: Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the spinach-artichoke mixture for a little heat.

Q8: What other sides go well with this recipe?
A8: This chicken is great with garlic bread, rice pilaf, or a simple cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.

Q9: Can I add other cheeses to the topping?
A9: Definitely! You can try adding cream cheese or even a bit of ricotta for an extra creamy texture. Parmesan also adds a nice flavor boost.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Conclusion

This Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender, juicy chicken, all with minimal effort. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping something special for the weekend, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

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