Description
This creamy spinach chicken bake is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines tender, marinated chicken thighs with rich cream cheese, fresh wilted spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting casserole that’s perfect for busy families looking for a delicious, one-pan meal with flavorful Italian-inspired seasoning.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs, thin, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) avocado oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Spinach Mixture
- 5 cups (~140 grams) fresh spinach
Cheeses
- 7 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly-cracked black pepper
- Pinch of paprika
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a freezer bag. Seal the bag and massage the marinade thoroughly into the chicken pieces with your hands to ensure even coating. Refrigerate the marinated chicken to allow flavors to develop.
- Preheat Oven: Position the oven rack in the middle and preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Meanwhile, prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by coating it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wilt Spinach: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until it wilts and any excess liquid evaporates. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Bake: Remove the chicken from the marinade bag using tongs and arrange the pieces in the prepared baking pan. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly on top of each chicken piece. Next, layer the wilted spinach over the cream cheese, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the spinach layer.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven carefully. Garnish the dish with freshly-cracked black pepper and a pinch of paprika if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy spinach chicken bake!
Notes
- Using thin, boneless, and skinless chicken thighs helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading and better texture.
- Wilm the spinach thoroughly to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger families or meal prep.
- For a lower fat option, use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
