This Easy Low-Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken, healthy spinach, and mushrooms all baked together. It’s comfort food without extra carbs!
You won’t believe how simple this is to make! Just layer everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and soon you’ll have a warm, cheesy meal. Perfect for busy nights! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred for this bake. If you have thighs, those work too for a juicier taste. You can also use leftover cooked chicken if you want to save time!
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add great flavor. You can swap in other varieties like cremini or shiitake. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, try zucchini instead!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best, but frozen works too. Just make sure to thaw and drain the excess water. Kale is another good substitute if you want a different texture.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a lovely melt, but you could use cheddar or a dairy-free alternative. Parmesan adds a nice sharpness; consider nutritional yeast for a vegan option!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and water. Coconut cream can also work for a dairy-free dish.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the chicken just right is key to this recipe. You want it juicy but fully cooked! Here’s how:
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, you may want to pound them to even thickness for quicker cooking.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain juices.
Following these steps will give you perfectly cooked chicken every time!
How to Make Easy Low-Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake, making the total time around 45-50 minutes. It’s speedy enough for a weeknight meal while being hearty enough for special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Dish:
First, turn on your oven and set it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Stir them around and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden and soft. This will release all their delicious flavors!
3. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute, just until you can smell the garlic. Then, stir in the chopped spinach and let it cook for about 3 minutes, or until it’s wilted. Once done, take it off the heat.
4. Season the Chicken:
Get your chicken breasts ready! Season each one with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and oregano for a tasty flavor boost.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Lay the seasoned chicken breasts evenly in the greased baking dish. Now, spread the yummy spinach and mushroom mixture over the top of the chicken. This adds nutrition and flavor!
6. Add Cream and Cheese:
Pour the heavy cream evenly over everything in the dish. Then, sprinkle cheese on top—both the mozzarella and Parmesan will create a cheesy, bubbly layer when baked.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is thoroughly cooked (165°F internally) and the cheese is melted and golden!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle a bit. Then, serve it up and enjoy your creamy, low-carb chicken bake with family or friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or even leftover cooked chicken. If using cooked chicken, reduce the baking time, so it just warms through!
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Yes! You can easily replace the spinach and mushrooms with other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just make sure to sauté them first to ensure they are tender before baking.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheeses, look for vegan cheese options that melt well for the topping.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—just thaw in the fridge before reheating!
