Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a creamy spinach and artichoke mixture, then baked with melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-8 oz) chicken breasts*
• 2 cups packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400ºF.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, yogurt, artichoke hearts, garlic powder, and dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the spinach mixture over the chicken breasts.
4. Step 4: Lay 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. It’s okay if the cheese slices overlap to cover the chicken completely.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt instead of plain low-fat yogurt for a thicker, creamier texture.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture for a little spicy kick.
• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or gouda for a different flavor.
• Serve with a side of quinoa or roasted vegetables to make a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350ºF oven until warmed through to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing. This will prevent the dish from becoming watery.

What if I don’t have dijon mustard?

You can substitute with yellow mustard or skip it entirely. Dijon adds a subtle tang that brightens the flavors, but the dish will still be tasty without it.

Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 115 reviews

A wholesome and flavorful Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy mixture of spinach, artichokes, and yogurt, finished with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy oven-baked dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that combines protein, vegetables, and comforting cheesy goodness.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 (6-8 oz) chicken breasts

Spinach Artichoke Mixture

• 2 cups packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Topping

• 8 slices mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare Spinach Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the roughly chopped baby spinach, plain low-fat yogurt, drained and chopped marinated artichoke hearts, garlic powder, and dijon mustard. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly for proper cooking.
4. Top Chicken: Evenly spread the spinach-artichoke mixture over each chicken breast, making sure each one is generously covered.
5. Add Cheese: Place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, overlapping them if necessary to cover the surface.
6. Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and ensure moistness.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to guarantee it is safely cooked.
• You can substitute low-fat yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker texture and added protein.
• If you prefer, swap mozzarella cheese with a lower-fat cheese to reduce calories.
• Marinated artichokes add extra flavor; drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
• Serve with a simple side salad, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: spinach artichoke chicken bake, healthy chicken recipes, baked chicken breast, low-fat chicken bake, easy chicken dinner