Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - ½ cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped For this creamy spinach artichoke chicken, I use simple and fresh ingredients. The chicken breasts give a nice base. The spinach and artichokes add color and flavor. Cream cheese and sour cream create a rich sauce. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully on top. Fresh garlic and onion powder enhance the taste. Salt and pepper make everything pop. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken. Red pepper flakes give a hint of heat, but you can skip them if you prefer mild dishes. Lastly, fresh parsley brightens up the dish, adding a touch of color and freshness. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. - Fold in spinach, artichokes, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. - Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. - Sear chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side. - Once browned, remove chicken and set aside. - Pour the creamy spinach-artichoke mixture into the skillet. - Nestle chicken breasts back in the skillet and top with mozzarella cheese. - Cover the skillet with a lid or foil. - Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). - For a crispy finish, uncover and broil for 2-3 minutes. How to avoid overcooking the chicken To avoid dry chicken, watch the cooking time closely. Sear each side for about five minutes. This creates a nice golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you have a thick piece, it may need a bit longer. Always remember to let it rest before serving. Tips for achieving the best creamy texture For a smooth creamy texture, make sure the cream cheese is soft. Let it sit at room temperature before mixing. When you blend it with sour cream, stir well until there are no lumps. Adding the spinach and artichokes should be done gently. This keeps the mixture airy and light. If you want extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of milk or heavy cream. What to serve with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken This dish pairs great with fluffy rice or pasta. The sauce soaks into the grains beautifully. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A fresh salad on the side adds crunch and color. Try a simple garden salad or a Caesar salad for a nice touch. Garnishing ideas with fresh herbs Fresh parsley adds a bright touch. Sprinkle it on before serving for a pop of color. You might also try basil or chives for a different flavor. Just chop them finely and sprinkle on top. This makes the dish look fancy and fresh! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and artichoke hearts for a vibrant flavor and better texture in your dish. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy and tender results. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste, or substitute with fresh jalapeños for a different twist. Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the flavors meld and makes for easier serving. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey or pork. If you want to go meatless, mushrooms work great. They add a nice texture and soak up flavors well. You can use portobello or cremini mushrooms for a hearty bite. To add more flavor, consider using spices like garlic powder, paprika, or even a dash of lemon zest. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the dish. For the creaminess, try different cheeses. Creamy goat cheese or sharp cheddar gives a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the salt since some cheeses are saltier. To keep your Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first before sealing it up. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Place the container in the fridge right away. Your leftovers will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, use the oven or a microwave to reheat. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the chicken moist while it warms up. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until it’s hot. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts of 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If you want to keep it creamy, add a splash of water or broth. This will help prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your tasty dish again! How do I know when the chicken is cooked? You can check the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F or 75°C. This ensures that it is safe to eat. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the creamy spinach-artichoke mixture a day before. Just store it in the fridge. You can also sear the chicken ahead of time. When ready, combine and bake it as directed. Is it possible to use frozen spinach? Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. This helps avoid excess water in the dish. What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese? You can use provolone, gouda, or cheddar cheese. Each gives a different flavor. Choose one that you enjoy! Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat when ready to eat. This blog post showed you how to make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken. You learned about the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to perfect your dish and suggestions for leftovers. You can even try fun variations with different proteins or flavors. Cooking should be enjoyable and rewarding. I hope you feel ready to create this dish. Enjoy the rich flavors and share it with friends and family!$

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Delight

A creamy, cheesy chicken dish with spinach and artichokes, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature
0.5 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a spatula or spoon to blend until smooth. Then, fold in the finely chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, onion powder, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, adding the olive oil to coat the bottom. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the hot skillet.
Sear the chicken breasts for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown color. This step seals in the flavors and juices.
Once seared, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Pour the creamy spinach-artichoke mixture into the same skillet, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the creamy base, ensuring they sit securely. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast for that delicious cheesy topping.
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil, then transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
For an extra cheesy finish, if desired, remove the lid and switch to broil mode for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch closely as the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown for that perfect crispy topping.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as a fragrant garnish.

Notes

Pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta for a hearty meal.

Keyword artichoke, cheesy, chicken, creamy, spinach