Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken

By: Toya. L

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken. This mouthwatering dish is a delightful fusion of tender, succulent chicken breasts bathed in a luxuriously roasted vegetable creamy sauce, perfectly complemented by the earthy goodness of fresh spinach. But what truly takes this dish to the next level is the generous layer of melted cheese that blankets the entire creation, adding a rich, savory depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. With each forkful, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, from the juicy chicken to the velvety sauce and the vibrant spinach. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal to share with guests, this Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken promises a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. It’s a satisfying, Low carb, and home-cooked classic that brings warmth and comfort to every bite.

Why you will love Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken

• Incredible Flavor: This dish combines the richness of creamy sauce, the earthiness of spinach, and the savory goodness of cheese, creating a harmonious and delectable flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
• Comforting and Satisfying: It’s the epitome of comfort food. The creamy sauce and tender chicken provide a comforting, hearty meal that fills you up and warms your soul.
• Nutrient-Rich Spinach: Spinach is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish a healthier option compared to some other comfort foods.
• Cheese Lovers’ Dream: If you’re a fan of cheese, this dish is a dream come true. The melted cheese on top adds a gooey, indulgent layer that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy. Even picky eaters are likely to savor the cheesy goodness.
• Balanced Meal: With protein from the chicken, vitamins from the spinach, and the richness of the creamy sauce and cheese, it offers a balanced and satisfying meal that’s low in carbs.

Instructions to make Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken:

Roasted vegetable sauce instructions:

Prepare a baking pan: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking pan.

Prepare vegetables: Cut 4 tomatoes in half, cut 1 red pepper in half, cut 1/2 of an onion, 3 garlic cloves, and cut 1 jalapeno in half, and place the vegetables face down on the prepared baking sheet. Top the vegetables off with salt and broil at 500°F for 25-30 minutes.

Blend the vegetables: Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and allow them to cool. To a blender add the heavy cream, and the roasted vegetables. Blend until everything is blended well.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the chicken seasoning: In a non-stick saucepan, melt the butter, add the garlic, and spices.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Spray a baking dish with olive oil.
   • Place your chicken in the dish and pour the garlic butter over the chicken, on both sides.
   • Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (with an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C)
4. Saute the Garlic and Onion
5. Warm up a wok or skillet add the olive oil, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant, and the onion is translucent. Pour in the roasted vegetable sauce.
6. Add Spinach:
   • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook and stir for a few minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper. Once the chicken is done. Pour the chicken broth from the baked chicken, from the dish into the sauce.
7. Pour the Creamy Spinach Sauce Over the Chicken:
   • Pour the creamy spinach sauce over the baked chicken. Top the dish off with cheese. I used a mixture of Monterey jack, and cheddar cheese.
8. Bake:
   • Place the dish in the stove and bake at 350 °F for 10-15 minutes. Until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
   • Serve your Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken hot, either directly from the dish or plated alongside your favorite side dishes.

10. Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken.

Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken. This mouthwatering dish is a delightful fusion of tender, succulent chicken breasts bathed in a luxuriously roasted vegetable creamy sauce, perfectly complemented by the earthy goodness of fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 333 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Non-Stick Saucepan
• 1 Wok Stir-fry Pan
• 1 Baking Dish
• 1 Garlic Press
• 1 Silicone Basting Brush
• 1 Measuring Cup and Spoon Set
• 1 Wooden Spoons

Ingredients

  

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• 6 Chicken thighs
• 2 cups Spinach
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp Garlic Divided
• 1/2 cup Onion
• 2 cup Cheese
• 1 tbsp Old bay seasoning
• 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper

Roasted Vegetable Sauce Ingredients

• 4 Tomatoes
• 1 Red pepper
• 1/2 Onion
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 1 Jalapeno
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp Salt

Instructions

 

• Roasted vegetable sauce instructions: Prepare a baking pan: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking pan.
• Prepare vegetables: Cut 4 tomatoes in half, cut 1 red pepper in half, cut 1/2 of an onion, 3 garlic cloves, and cut 1 jalapeno in half, and place the vegetables face down on the prepared baking sheet.
• Top the vegetables off with salt and broil at 500°F for 25-30 minutes.
• Blend the vegetables: Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and allow them to cool. To a blender add the heavy cream, and the roasted vegetables. Blend until everything is blended well.
• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the chicken seasoning: In a non-stick saucepan, melt the butter, add the garlic, and spices.
• Prepare the Chicken: Spray a baking dish with olive oil. Place your chicken in the dish and pour the garlic butter over the chicken, on both sides. Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (with an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C)
• Saute the Garlic and Onion Warm up a wok or skillet add the olive oil, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant, and the onion is translucent.
• Pour in the roasted vegetable sauce. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook and stir for a few minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper. Once the chicken is done. Pour the chicken broth from the baked chicken, from the dish into the sauce.
• Pour the Creamy Spinach Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the creamy spinach sauce over the baked chicken. Top the dish off with cheese. I used a mixture of Monterey jack, and cheddar cheese. Bake: Place the dish in the stove and bake at 350 °F for 10-15 minutes. Until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve your Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken hot, either directly from the dish or plated alongside your favorite side dishes.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 6gCalories: 333kcalCarbohydrates: 9.3gProtein: 11.6gFat: 28.7gSaturated Fat: 15.7gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 990mgPotassium: 393mgFiber: 2.1gSugar: 4.4gCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg

Keyword cheesy cream of spinach chicken, chicken and spinach, creamy chicken alfredo, spinach and chicken

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• *Nutrition Disclaimer

TIPS FOR THIS DISH

• Use Quality Ingredients: Starting with fresh and high-quality chicken, spinach, and cheese will make a significant difference in the final flavor of your dish.
• Saute the Aromatics: Cooking the garlic and onions until they are fragrant and slightly softened helps build flavor. Be cautious not to brown or burn them.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred for its vibrant color and flavor. Ensure its properly washed and any tough stems are removed before chopping.
• Watch the Oven Closely: Keep an eye on the dish in the oven to prevent over-browning of the cheese. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover the skillet with foil.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This lets the juices redistribute within the chicken and keeps it moist.

FLAVOR VARIATIONS

• While Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken is a delicious dish on its own, you can experiment with flavor variations to add unique twists. Here are some ideas to consider:
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. They pair exceptionally well with the creamy sauce and spinach.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can lend a rich, earthy taste to the dish. Slice them and cook them along with the onions and garlic.
• Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving. The smoky, salty flavor will complement the creaminess of the sauce.
• Artichoke Hearts: Chopped artichoke hearts can bring a unique, slightly tangy taste to the dish. They work beautifully with the cheese and spinach.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for added depth of flavor. A dash of nutmeg can also elevate the cream sauce.
• Pesto Swirl: Drizzle a bit of pesto sauce over the top for a burst of herbal and garlicky goodness.
• Sundried Tomato Pesto: Replace traditional pesto with sundried tomato pesto for a more intense flavor profile.
• Greek Twist: Add feta cheese and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired variation. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Cajun Spice: Sprinkle some Cajun spice mix over the chicken for a spicy kick. This pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• Curry Flavor: Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the cream sauce for a unique fusion of Indian and Italian flavors.
• Chili Heat: For those who enjoy spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the dish some heat.
• Garlic Lovers: If you’re a fan of garlic, increase the amount of minced garlic in the recipe for a robust garlic flavor.
• Green Onions: Top the dish with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Remember to balance the additional flavors with the existing ingredients to create a harmonious dish. Feel free to mix and match these variations or come up with your own to suit your taste preferences. Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken is a versatile canvas for culinary creativity!

STORING AND FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS

• Refrigeration (Short-Term): If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You might need to add a splash of cream or chicken broth to maintain the creamy consistency.
• Freezing Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken:
• Cool Completely: Before freezing, allow the dish to cool completely. It’s essential to bring it to room temperature or refrigerator temperature to avoid temperature shock and maintain quality.
• Portion Control: Consider dividing the leftovers into individual serving-sized portions. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.
• Wrap for Freezing: Wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place them in airtight freezer-safe containers. Ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
• Label and Date: Clearly label each package with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of freshness.
• Stack or Store Flat: If you’re using containers, stack them neatly in the freezer. If you’re using plastic wrap or foil, you can store them flat to save space.
• Thawing and Reheating from Frozen:
• Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing preserves the texture and flavor.
• Reheating: Once thawed, reheat it in the microwave, oven, or stovetop. If using the microwave, use a lower power setting to ensure even heating. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil and reheat at a low temperature to prevent overcooking.
• Check and Adjust: After reheating, check the consistency of the sauce. You may need to add a little cream or chicken broth and stir to restore its creaminess.
• Safety Note: Ensure that the dish is heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
• Remember that while freezing can preserve the dish, the texture of dairy-based sauces like this one may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. However, the flavor should remain delicious, making it a convenient option for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the cooking process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
• Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the dish. Adjust the quantity as needed.
• 2. What can I serve with Cheesy Cream of Spinach Chicken?
• This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as cauliflower mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, zucchini pasta, or a simple green salad.
• Can I use a different type of cheese?
• Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone, to create unique flavor variations.
• 6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
• To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also consider adding plant-based protein sources like tofu.
• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
• While it’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken breasts for optimal results, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be aware that they may release more moisture as they cook.