Easy 40-Minute Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Low-Carb Bake – So Satisfying! Recipe

Introduction

This Easy 40-Minute Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Low-Carb Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce, it’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of choice)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and most moisture has evaporated, about 5–6 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted.
6. Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. For a thicker sauce, stir in a handful of shredded cheese.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mushroom and spinach mixture to the prepared baking dish. Arrange the seared chicken evenly over the top, then pour the cream sauce evenly over the chicken.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and optional Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Step 10: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy.
• Try adding red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick, or omit for a milder dish.
• Substitute mozzarella with gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Chicken thighs can add more juiciness compared to breasts if preferred.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain creaminess and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the bake.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This dish reheats well and can be portioned for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Easy 40-Minute Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Low-Carb Bake – So Satisfying! Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Easy 40-Minute Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Low-Carb Bake is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts or thighs baked in a rich mushroom and spinach cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a satisfying low-carb meal, it combines fresh vegetables and savory chicken in a baked casserole that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables

• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Sauces

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheese of choice)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Fats & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts or thighs for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then set aside to rest.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, releasing their flavors.
4. Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue cooking until they are browned and most moisture has evaporated, about 5–6 minutes, to concentrate their flavor.
5. Wilt Spinach: Stir in fresh baby spinach and cook just until wilted, ensuring it retains some texture and nutrients.
6. Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free). Stir to combine and simmer the sauce for 1–2 minutes. For a thicker sauce, optionally stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mushroom-spinach cream mixture evenly to the prepared baking dish. Arrange the seared chicken pieces over the top and pour any remaining cream sauce evenly over the chicken.
8. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and optional grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top for a golden, bubbly crust.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese as desired, then enjoy your hearty, low-carb chicken bake.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and omit cheeses or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor than breasts but adjust cooking time accordingly if using thicker pieces.
• Feel free to swap mushrooms for your favorite variety or add other greens like kale for variation.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme as garnish for added freshness and aroma.
• Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to avoid undercooked poultry.
• You can prepare the vegetable mixture a day ahead to save time on busy evenings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken bake, low carb chicken recipe, spinach mushroom bake, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken casserole, healthy chicken recipe