Description
The Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a mouth-watering dish perfect for those who appreciate a blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This recipe not only promises a fulfilling meal but also provides a comforting experience perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. With its straightforward preparation steps and common ingredients, this dish is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken fillets
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- ½ medium sweet onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preparing the Chicken
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper, and coat each side lightly with flour. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.
2. Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Boil until the liquid reduces by half, then stir in cream and reduce again by half.
3. Adding Spinach and Assembling
Add the spinach to the skillet, allowing it to wilt. Return the chicken and its juices to the pan, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens. Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Place chicken in the prepared baking dish, top with the creamy spinach mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
4. Broiling
Broil the assembled dish until the cheese melts and turns golden. Garnish with nutmeg and parsley before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 6 people. The total preparation and cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warm throughout, or bake in an oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
Conclusion
The Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is an indulgent dish that combines the nutritional benefits of spinach with the hearty textures of chicken and cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delightful experience with each creamy, savory bite. The easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients also make it a practical choice for any home cook looking to impress their family or guests.
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Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
The Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake is a mouth-watering dish perfect for those who appreciate a blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This recipe not only promises a fulfilling meal but also provides a comforting experience perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. With its straightforward preparation steps and common ingredients, this dish is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken fillets
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- ½ medium sweet onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Preparing the Chicken: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper, and coat each side lightly with flour. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Making the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Boil until the liquid reduces by half, then stir in cream and reduce again by half.
- Adding Spinach and Assembling: Add the spinach to the skillet, allowing it to wilt. Return the chicken and its juices to the pan, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens. Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Place chicken in the prepared baking dish, top with the creamy spinach mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Broiling: Broil the assembled dish until the cheese melts and turns golden. Garnish with nutmeg and parsley before serving.