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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese The chicken breasts are the stars of this dish. They soak up all the creamy goodness. Spinach and artichokes add bright flavors and textures. The cream and cheese blend creates a rich sauce that ties everything together. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Garlic and onion powder give depth to the dish. Italian seasoning adds a classic flavor profile. Olive oil helps sear the chicken and makes it juicy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. - Additional cheeses or herbs - Suggested side dishes You can customize this dish with extra cheeses like cheddar or feta. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make it pop. Serve with rice, pasta, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy experimenting with what you have! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dish cooks evenly. 2. Searing the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown. After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. 1. Sautéing garlic and vegetables: In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells good. Next, add 1 can of chopped artichoke hearts and 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook this mix until the spinach wilts, which should take about 3-4 minutes. 2. Mixing in cream cheese and other ingredients: Lower the heat. Add 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well until it's creamy and combined. 1. Combining chicken and sauce: Take the seared chicken breasts and return them to the skillet. Make sure to cover each piece with that creamy spinach-artichoke sauce. 2. Final baking and broiling tips: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce bubbles. If you want a nice golden top, turn the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. Once it's done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Perfectly searing chicken To sear chicken well, start with a hot pan. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place the chicken in the pan, ensuring it does not touch. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side. This will keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Achieving a creamy sauce consistency For a creamy sauce, lower the heat before adding cream cheese and other cheeses. Mix in the softened cream cheese and sour cream slowly. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. This keeps it velvety and easy to coat your chicken. Best accompaniments for the dish Serve creamy spinach artichoke chicken over rice or pasta for a hearty meal. You can also pair it with garlic bread for a delightful crunch. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice touch, balancing the creaminess of the dish. Presentation tips for a beautiful plate To make your plate pop, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve the chicken in a shallow bowl with a generous scoop of sauce on top. This gives a warm and inviting look to your meal. Use colorful plates to enhance the visual appeal. Ways to boost the dish’s flavor profile To enhance flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This brightens the dish and adds a fresh note. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist. Recommended spice additions Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. A dash of smoked paprika can add depth. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, for added aroma and taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality artichoke hearts will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are cooked just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep them juicy and tender. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Adding a bit of goat cheese or feta can provide a delightful tang. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can make this dish lighter by swapping out some ingredients. To replace cream or cheese, try using Greek yogurt. It gives a nice tang and keeps it creamy. You could also use low-fat cream cheese for fewer calories. Instead of frying the chicken, try grilling or baking it. This method keeps the chicken juicy and adds a nice smoky flavor. Grilled chicken pairs well with the creamy sauce. Feel free to change up the veggies in this recipe. You can add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra taste. Zucchini also works well if you want more color and texture. For cheese, you can use different types. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist. Cheddar cheese gives a sharp flavor. Experiment with your favorites for new tastes. Make it a one-pan meal by cooking everything in the same skillet. This makes cleanup easy and keeps all the flavors together. You can serve the dish with different sauces. A light marinara adds a nice contrast. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. To keep your creamy spinach artichoke chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When reheating, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until hot. You can freeze leftovers for a quick meal later. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave. Reheat it in the microwave on low power until warm. When reheating, aim to keep the creamy texture. Use a bit of milk or cream if needed. This will help regain the sauce's richness. Leftovers are great for wraps, salads, or pasta dishes. Mix them into a creamy pasta bake for a new twist. Enjoy the flavors again in different ways! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then cool it. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, bake it until hot. Is it possible to use frozen spinach or artichokes? Yes, frozen spinach and artichokes work well. Thaw and drain them first. This helps avoid excess water in your dish. They will still be tasty and creamy! Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your seasonings and cheese for gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Are there dairy-free alternatives for the sauce? Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream. Look for plant-based cheeses as well. They add creaminess and flavor, making it dairy-free. How to adjust cooking time for small or large chicken breasts? For small breasts, reduce the cooking time to 18-20 minutes. For large breasts, increase the time to 30-35 minutes. Always check the internal temperature for safety. Can this be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? Yes, you can! In a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function first. Then pressure cook for 10 minutes for a quick meal. This article covered everything you need to make a delicious chicken dish. We explored the main ingredients like chicken, spinach, and the creamy cheese mix. I shared tips on cooking, serving, and even variations to keep it fresh. Remember, you can customize flavors and storage options. My final thoughts: cooking is fun, so feel free to experiment with your own twists. Enjoy creating a meal that's not just tasty but also fits your needs!

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish featuring spinach and artichokes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (14 oz)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped artichoke hearts and spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts and reduces in size, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and incorporate the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure to cover each piece with the creamy spinach-artichoke sauce.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
  • For a golden top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve on a bed of rice or pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Keyword artichoke, chicken, creamy, dinner, spinach