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Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake Simple Delight Recipe

by on July 3, 2025

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Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a simple yet delicious recipe: Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake. This easy dish combines tender chicken and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weekdays or family gatherings, it’s ready in no time. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking! You’ll love how satisfying and tasty this meal can be.

- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, and thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - Breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Crusty baguette for serving This recipe serves 4-6 people. Each serving is a good source of protein and healthy fats. It provides vitamins from spinach and tomatoes. The cream cheese and cheese add richness and flavor. For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat options. This dish is filling, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for baking. 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great. 3. Add chopped spinach to the skillet. Sauté until it wilts, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This makes the spinach soft and tasty. 4. Mix ingredients in a large bowl. Combine softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, wilted spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes. 5. Season the mix with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well. 6. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even cooking. 7. Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over it. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown and bubbly top. This shows it’s ready. 9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps to avoid burns when serving. - Serve in individual bowls for a nice touch. - Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for extra flavor. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add color. - Pair with crusty baguette or a side salad for a complete meal. To get the best texture, make sure to use cooked chicken. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it mix well with the creamy filling. Sauté the spinach just until it wilts. Overcooking can make it slimy. If you want a crunchy top, don’t skip the breadcrumbs. They add a nice contrast to the creamy dish. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs when you can. Fresh basil or thyme will add a great taste. Also, don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper. This simple step can really make a big difference. For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a fun twist. One common mistake is not heating the cream cheese enough. If it’s too firm, it won’t mix well. Always soften it before mixing it with other ingredients. Another mistake is baking it too long. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out. Lastly, don’t skip the cherry tomatoes. They add great color and flavor to your bake. Pro Tips Tip Title: Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish's flavors. Tip Title: Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist. Tip Title: Make Ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for easy baking the next day. Tip Title: Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread or a light salad to complement the creamy texture of the bake. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try using cooked turkey for a lighter dish. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works well for quick prep. For a vegetarian twist, consider using chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and texture without meat. If you love seafood, use shrimp or crab. Both pair well with the creamy sauce. To make this dish dairy-free, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. You can find cashew cream cheese or almond-based cream cheese in stores. Use a dairy-free mozzarella for the cheese layer. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Coconut cream can replace the cream cheese, adding richness. Always check labels to ensure they fit your needs. Add extra flavor with spices and herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Try adding a splash of lemon juice for freshness. If you prefer a smoky flavor, include smoked paprika. Each small change can make a big difference in taste! To keep your Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to store leftovers. Place it in the fridge. It should stay good for up to three days. When storing, make sure to seal it well. This will keep it from drying out. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. This will warm it through. If you want to keep it moist, cover it with foil. You can also reheat in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat it in short bursts. Stir and check often to avoid hot spots. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it in the oven to get that tasty, crispy top again. Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Frozen spinach often contains extra water. If you don’t drain it, your dish may become watery. Using frozen spinach can save you time, but fresh spinach has a nicer texture. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Crusty baguette for dipping. - A fresh side salad with a light dressing. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal. These sides help balance the creamy texture and add freshness to your plate. To make this dish low-carb, swap out a few ingredients. Here’s how: - Use cauliflower rice instead of breadcrumbs. - Skip the breadcrumbs entirely for fewer carbs. - Use a low-carb cheese option, if you prefer. These changes keep it delicious while lowering the carbs. Enjoy without guilt! This blog post covers everything you need for a delicious Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake. We explored the key ingredients and gave you options to make it yours. I shared step-by-step instructions to make cooking easy. Plus, you learned tips for perfect texture and flavor. We looked at variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. With these insights, you can confidently create this dish. Enjoy your cooking and savor each bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake.
  2. Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and mozzarella creates a deliciously creamy texture that is simply irresistible.
  3. Healthy Greens: With three cups of spinach, this dish is packed with nutrients while still being incredibly tasty.
  4. Customizable Options: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped

– 1 cup cream cheese, softened

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, and thyme)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Optional Ingredients

– Breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

– Crusty baguette for serving

Nutritional Information

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Each serving is a good source of protein and healthy fats. It provides vitamins from spinach and tomatoes. The cream cheese and cheese add richness and flavor. For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat options. This dish is filling, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for baking.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great.

3. Add chopped spinach to the skillet. Sauté until it wilts, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This makes the spinach soft and tasty.

4. Mix ingredients in a large bowl. Combine softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, wilted spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes.

5. Season the mix with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well.

6. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even cooking.

Baking Instructions

7. Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over it.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown and bubbly top. This shows it’s ready.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps to avoid burns when serving.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve in individual bowls for a nice touch.

– Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for extra flavor.

– Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add color.

– Pair with crusty baguette or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Texture

To get the best texture, make sure to use cooked chicken. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it mix well with the creamy filling. Sauté the spinach just until it wilts. Overcooking can make it slimy. If you want a crunchy top, don’t skip the breadcrumbs. They add a nice contrast to the creamy dish.

How to Enhance Flavor

To boost flavor, use fresh herbs when you can. Fresh basil or thyme will add a great taste. Also, don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper. This simple step can really make a big difference. For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a fun twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not heating the cream cheese enough. If it’s too firm, it won’t mix well. Always soften it before mixing it with other ingredients. Another mistake is baking it too long. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out. Lastly, don’t skip the cherry tomatoes. They add great color and flavor to your bake.

Pro Tips

  1. Tip Title: Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish’s flavors.
  2. Tip Title: Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist.
  3. Tip Title: Make Ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for easy baking the next day.
  4. Tip Title: Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread or a light salad to complement the creamy texture of the bake.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try using cooked turkey for a lighter dish. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works well for quick prep. For a vegetarian twist, consider using chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and texture without meat. If you love seafood, use shrimp or crab. Both pair well with the creamy sauce.

Dairy-Free Options

To make this dish dairy-free, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. You can find cashew cream cheese or almond-based cream cheese in stores. Use a dairy-free mozzarella for the cheese layer. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Coconut cream can replace the cream cheese, adding richness. Always check labels to ensure they fit your needs.

Flavor Enhancements

Add extra flavor with spices and herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Try adding a splash of lemon juice for freshness. If you prefer a smoky flavor, include smoked paprika. Each small change can make a big difference in taste!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to store leftovers. Place it in the fridge. It should stay good for up to three days. When storing, make sure to seal it well. This will keep it from drying out.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. This will warm it through. If you want to keep it moist, cover it with foil. You can also reheat in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat it in short bursts. Stir and check often to avoid hot spots.

Freezing Guidelines

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it in the oven to get that tasty, crispy top again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Frozen spinach often contains extra water. If you don’t drain it, your dish may become watery. Using frozen spinach can save you time, but fresh spinach has a nicer texture.

What to serve with Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake?

This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:

– Crusty baguette for dipping.

– A fresh side salad with a light dressing.

– Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

– Rice or quinoa for a filling meal.

These sides help balance the creamy texture and add freshness to your plate.

How to make it low-carb?

To make this dish low-carb, swap out a few ingredients. Here’s how:

– Use cauliflower rice instead of breadcrumbs.

– Skip the breadcrumbs entirely for fewer carbs.

– Use a low-carb cheese option, if you prefer.

These changes keep it delicious while lowering the carbs. Enjoy without guilt!

This blog post covers everything you need for a delicious Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake. We explored the key ingredients and gave you options to make it yours. I shared step-by-step instructions to make cooking easy. Plus, you learned tips for perfect texture and flavor. We looked at variations for different diets and how to store leftovers.

With these insights, you can confidently create this dish. Enjoy your cooking and savor each bit

- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, and thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - Breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Crusty baguette for serving This recipe serves 4-6 people. Each serving is a good source of protein and healthy fats. It provides vitamins from spinach and tomatoes. The cream cheese and cheese add richness and flavor. For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat options. This dish is filling, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for baking. 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great. 3. Add chopped spinach to the skillet. Sauté until it wilts, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This makes the spinach soft and tasty. 4. Mix ingredients in a large bowl. Combine softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, wilted spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes. 5. Season the mix with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well. 6. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even cooking. 7. Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over it. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown and bubbly top. This shows it’s ready. 9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps to avoid burns when serving. - Serve in individual bowls for a nice touch. - Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for extra flavor. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add color. - Pair with crusty baguette or a side salad for a complete meal. To get the best texture, make sure to use cooked chicken. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it mix well with the creamy filling. Sauté the spinach just until it wilts. Overcooking can make it slimy. If you want a crunchy top, don’t skip the breadcrumbs. They add a nice contrast to the creamy dish. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs when you can. Fresh basil or thyme will add a great taste. Also, don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper. This simple step can really make a big difference. For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a fun twist. One common mistake is not heating the cream cheese enough. If it’s too firm, it won’t mix well. Always soften it before mixing it with other ingredients. Another mistake is baking it too long. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out. Lastly, don’t skip the cherry tomatoes. They add great color and flavor to your bake. Pro Tips Tip Title: Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish's flavors. Tip Title: Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist. Tip Title: Make Ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for easy baking the next day. Tip Title: Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread or a light salad to complement the creamy texture of the bake. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try using cooked turkey for a lighter dish. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works well for quick prep. For a vegetarian twist, consider using chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and texture without meat. If you love seafood, use shrimp or crab. Both pair well with the creamy sauce. To make this dish dairy-free, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. You can find cashew cream cheese or almond-based cream cheese in stores. Use a dairy-free mozzarella for the cheese layer. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Coconut cream can replace the cream cheese, adding richness. Always check labels to ensure they fit your needs. Add extra flavor with spices and herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Try adding a splash of lemon juice for freshness. If you prefer a smoky flavor, include smoked paprika. Each small change can make a big difference in taste! To keep your Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to store leftovers. Place it in the fridge. It should stay good for up to three days. When storing, make sure to seal it well. This will keep it from drying out. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. This will warm it through. If you want to keep it moist, cover it with foil. You can also reheat in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat it in short bursts. Stir and check often to avoid hot spots. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it in the oven to get that tasty, crispy top again. Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Frozen spinach often contains extra water. If you don’t drain it, your dish may become watery. Using frozen spinach can save you time, but fresh spinach has a nicer texture. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Crusty baguette for dipping. - A fresh side salad with a light dressing. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal. These sides help balance the creamy texture and add freshness to your plate. To make this dish low-carb, swap out a few ingredients. Here’s how: - Use cauliflower rice instead of breadcrumbs. - Skip the breadcrumbs entirely for fewer carbs. - Use a low-carb cheese option, if you prefer. These changes keep it delicious while lowering the carbs. Enjoy without guilt! This blog post covers everything you need for a delicious Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake. We explored the key ingredients and gave you options to make it yours. I shared step-by-step instructions to make cooking easy. Plus, you learned tips for perfect texture and flavor. We looked at variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. With these insights, you can confidently create this dish. Enjoy your cooking and savor each bite!

Creamy Chicken Spinach Bake

A delicious and creamy chicken bake with spinach, cheese, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and, if desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for extra crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with fresh basil leaves. Pair with a crusty baguette or a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword bake, cheese, chicken, creamy, spinach

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