If you are craving a dish that brings together creamy indulgence, vibrant veggies, and tender chicken all baked to golden perfection, you’re in for a treat with this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe. It’s a comfort-food delight that takes the beloved flavors of spinach artichoke dip and transforms them into a hearty, wholesome meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Every bite bursts with bright hints of lemon and herbaceous notes, making this bake not just easy but truly memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with raw chicken pieces, arranged in a loose pile. The chicken chunks are pale pink with slight variations in shade, showing smooth and slightly shiny textures. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, fresh look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is, coming together to create a balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a luscious mayo-based sauce come together with aromatic herbs to produce a colorful and texturally rich dish.

  • Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for easy prep and even cooking; about 2 pounds or 3 to 4 breasts is perfect.
  • Red bell pepper: Finely chopped for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
  • Yellow onion: Half a medium onion, finely chopped to add a gentle depth of flavor.
  • Artichoke hearts: Two 13.5-ounce cans, quartered and drained well to avoid extra liquid in the bake.
  • Baby spinach: Two cups, roughly chopped to add freshness and earthiness.
  • Parmesan cheese: A half cup freshly grated (optional) for a cheesy finish with a nutty bite.
  • Mayonnaise: Half a cup provides the creamy base that binds everything together beautifully.
  • Garlic cloves: Four, minced to infuse that irresistible aroma and savory depth.
  • Lemon zest and juice: Zest from one lemon and about three tablespoons juice, adding brightness and lift.
  • Dried oregano: One teaspoon for a hint of Mediterranean warmth.
  • Dried thyme: One teaspoon lends a soft, herbal undertone.
  • Kosher salt: One teaspoon to season and enhance all the flavors.
  • Black pepper: Half a teaspoon, freshly ground for subtle heat and complexity.

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken and Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven and making sure your chicken breasts are patted dry for optimal browning. Finely chop the red bell pepper and yellow onion, then drain and quarter the artichoke hearts. Roughly chop the baby spinach so it melds nicely into the creamy mixture without overpowering the texture. This prep work lays the foundation for layering flavors and textures that make this dish shine.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Artichoke and Spinach Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped spinach, artichokes, bell pepper, and onion until everything is evenly coated with the zesty, creamy sauce. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, giving you the iconic taste of the Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish in a single layer. Spoon the creamy spinach artichoke mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is generously covered. If you’re using parmesan, sprinkle it over the top at this stage for a golden, cheesy crust that adds that extra wow factor.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly and golden. The slow baking melds the artichoke and spinach flavors into the tender chicken, creating a comforting and luscious dish that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds five colorful layers of ingredients arranged separately. At the top left, pale yellow artichoke hearts with smooth, soft layers sit next to a pile of bright green, finely chopped spinach at the top right. Below the spinach in the center is a mound of thin, off-white shredded cheese. At the bottom right, small red diced bell peppers add a bright pop of color. Finally, at the bottom left, there is a layer of finely chopped white onions. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese to add a fresh, vibrant touch. A few lemon wedges on the side work beautifully as well, letting everyone add a burst of citrus brightness right before they dig in.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or even some fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans round out the meal perfectly without competing with the rich flavors of the bake.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive dinner party or a cozy family meal, consider serving each chicken breast on a bed of creamy polenta or mashed cauliflower. You can also turn leftovers into a hearty sandwich or salad topper the next day, giving new life to your Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes well. Make sure to cool completely before wrapping tightly or placing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months and label with the date to keep track.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes. This method helps retain the creamy texture and ensures the chicken stays juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, which can sometimes dry out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it in. This will prevent your bake from becoming watery and keep the flavors concentrated.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, store portions in containers, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal throughout the week.

Can I substitute mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt?

Yes, either sour cream or Greek yogurt can be used to lighten the dish, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Greek yogurt adds a tangier taste, while sour cream maintains creaminess but with less fat than mayonnaise.

What can I do if I prefer a spicier version?

To spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the top for extra heat.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Fully gluten-free as written, this recipe contains no gluten ingredients. Just be sure to use gluten-free mayonnaise if you’re sourcing a specific brand and check any canned ingredients for cross-contamination warnings.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, its creamy texture, vibrant veggies, and tender chicken come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a go — I promise it will become one of your favorite easy dinners in no time!

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Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe

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3.9 from 47 reviews

This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is a creamy, flavorful, and wholesome one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked under a rich spinach and artichoke topping. Enhanced with zesty lemon, garlic, and Italian herbs, this dish combines the classic flavors of spinach artichoke dip with juicy baked chicken, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 to 4 chicken breasts)

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 (13.5-ounce) cans quartered artichoke hearts, drained and excess liquid gently squeezed out
  • 2 cups (lightly packed) baby spinach, roughly chopped

Cheese and Dairy

  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise

Flavorings

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 1 tablespoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken and the toppings evenly.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Lightly season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Place them evenly spaced in a baking dish suitable for the oven.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, add the finely chopped red bell pepper, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. This step helps to release their natural sweetness and enhances the final flavor of the topping.
  4. Mix the Spinach Artichoke Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the drained and gently squeezed artichoke hearts, roughly chopped baby spinach, mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  5. Assemble the Bake: Spoon the spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring each breast is well covered. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust after baking.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The topping should be bubbling and slightly golden.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm as a satisfying main dish paired with your favorite side such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • If you prefer a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Fresh spinach can be used instead of baby spinach; just chop finely.
  • Ensure the artichoke hearts are well drained to prevent the topping from being watery.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a lovely crunchy topping and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, omit the parmesan and use a dairy-free mayo.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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