why make this recipe
This Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake is a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the carbs. It combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and flavorful mushrooms, all topped with creamy cheese. It’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
how to make Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 small bag fresh baby spinach
- 1 dash pepper
- 1 dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 1 container green onion cream cheese (softened slightly at room temperature)
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 large package sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button mushrooms)
Directions:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, give your mushrooms a quick wipe (don’t wash them unless they’re really dirty; they soak up water!) and make sure they’re sliced. You’ll also want your baby spinach ready to go.
Pour the olive oil into the bottom of your baking dish and spread it around. Now, scatter the fresh baby spinach evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top the spinach with the sliced mushrooms.
Next, arrange the thin sliced chicken breasts over the mushroom layer in a single layer. Don’t worry if they overlap a little, but try to keep it mostly even, so they cook at the same rate. Give the chicken a sprinkle of pepper and that yummy Herb and Garlic Seasoning.
Now for the creamy goodness! Take your softened green onion cream cheese and dollop spoonfuls of it all over the top of the chicken breasts. Try to distribute it somewhat evenly so you get cheesy creaminess in every bite. You can gently spread it a little if you like, but dollops work just fine!
Pour the chicken broth carefully into the baking dish around the chicken and veggies. Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish, making sure to cover everything well. This is going to be your beautiful, bubbly topping!
Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (it should no longer be pink in the center) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starts to turn golden brown around the edges. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken, so checking with a meat thermometer is always a good idea (internal temp should be 165°F or 74°C).
Carefully remove the dish from the oven (it will be hot!). Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken and the dish to set slightly. Spoon out portions and enjoy your easy, delicious, low-carb meal!
how to serve Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad for a fresh crunch or over cauliflower rice for a filling option. It pairs well with a light vinaigrette dressing if you want to add a bit more flavor to your meal!
how to store Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
tips to make Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
- Make sure to slice the chicken thinly for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the rest time after baking; it really helps with the flavors.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
variation
You can switch the mozzarella cheese for cheddar or provolone if you prefer a different flavor. Also, try adding some cooked bacon bits for a smoky taste!
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
What can I use instead of green onion cream cheese?
You can use regular cream cheese mixed with some chopped green onions if you don’t have green onion cream cheese available.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
Easy Low Carb Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wipe the mushrooms to clean them and slice them if not already done.
- Pour olive oil into the bottom of your baking dish and spread it around.
- Scatter the fresh baby spinach evenly across the bottom of the dish and top it with sliced mushrooms.
- Arrange thin sliced chicken breasts over the mushroom layer in a single layer. Sprinkle with pepper and Herb and Garlic Seasoning.
- Dollop the softened green onion cream cheese over the top of the chicken breasts.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth into the baking dish around the chicken and veggies.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should be 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.