Cooking for loved ones brings me such joy, and one recipe that never fails to impress is this Delicious Low-Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake. You see, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate—it’s creamy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Every forkful is a celebration of flavors that come together effortlessly, and it’s become one of my go-to meals, especially during busy weeknights. Trust me when I say you’ll want to bookmark this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Why gravitate towards this chicken bake, you ask? Let me paint a picture: Imagine tender chicken pieces, snuggled up with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach, draped in a luscious cream sauce that’s just a little bit cheesy—but not too much! This dish strikes a perfect balance between rich flavors and health-conscious choices, making it the ideal dinner for any night of the week.
Not only is it low-carb, but it comes together in a flash. You’ll have minimal cleanup without sacrificing deliciousness. Plus, the secret is in the heavy cream and parmesan—oh, it’s pure magic! You can easily adjust the heat to suit your mood or dietary needs. And if you have leftovers, they make an amazing lunch for the next day. It’s comforting and convenient—what more could you ask for?
Gather These Ingredients
Let’s round up our stars for this culinary production:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut these into bite-sized pieces. They stay juicy and soak up all the flavors beautifully.
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8 ounces cremini mushrooms: Use baby bella or shiitake if that’s what you can find. Their rich, umami flavor takes the dish to another level.
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6 ounces fresh baby spinach: Go for fresh for that vibrant flavor. If frozen is what you have, just make sure to drain it well!
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2 cloves garlic: Minced to perfection. It’s what adds that aromatic flair.
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1 cup heavy cream: You can substitute this with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lower fat option. But trust me, heavy cream is where the magic is.
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1 cup chicken broth: Low-sodium is best to control the saltiness but full of flavor.
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1/2 cup parmesan cheese: Grated finely. Feel free to mix in some mozzarella if you’re looking for an extra cheesy experience!
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and familiarity.
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1/2 teaspoon paprika: This adds a gentle warmth, but if you’re feeling bold, red pepper flakes will kick it up a notch.
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Salt and pepper: To taste, of course. Always adjust according to your palate!
How This Recipe Comes Together
Ready to dive into this delicious creation? Here’s how to whip it up:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, a well-preheated oven sets the stage for a perfect bake.
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Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and toss in the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they start to turn golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this way, they get that nice sear.
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Add the mushrooms: Next, toss in your cremini mushrooms, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender—about 3-5 minutes—and your kitchen starts to smell divine.
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Incorporate the spinach: Stir in the baby spinach until wilted, which only takes about 1 minute. You’re going to love how it brightens the dish!
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Creamy sauce time: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing everything thoroughly. Add in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing those flavors to meld for a few minutes.
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Cheesy goodness: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until it’s creamy and dreamy!
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Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth it out evenly.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. The aroma will drive you wild!
What to Serve It With
This bake is fantastic on its own, but if you’re feeling like whisking up a little something extra, here are a few ideas:
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Light Side Salad: A crisp and vibrant salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully and balances the richness of the bake.
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Cauliflower Rice: For an extra low-carb option that soaks up all that creamy goodness.
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Garlic Bread: If you’re not strictly low-carb, a slice of garlic bread is always a hit, perfect for sopping up the sauce!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably have some leftovers (or you’re hoping for them!). Here’s how to store it:
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Refrigeration: Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze portions; just make sure they’re in a freezer-friendly container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Pro Chef Tips
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Chicken Substitutes: If you’d like to mix it up, feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
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Spice it Up: If you’re a heat seeker, don’t be shy with the paprika or sprinkle in some jalapeños for extra kick!
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Cream Alternatives: If you want a lighter option, coconut cream works well, adding a hint of sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory flavors.
Creative Twists
Why not add your personal flair? Here are a few ways to customize this dish:
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Herb Variations: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a completely different flavor profile.
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Veggie Fun: Toss in some zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms!
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Different Cheeses: Mixing in gouda or using cheddar instead of parmesan will create a whole new taste experience.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half/evaporated milk)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (optional: blend with mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (red pepper flakes for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Add the mushrooms and garlic; sauté until mushrooms are tender (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in spinach until wilted (about 1 minute).
- Pour in cream and chicken broth; season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in parmesan cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Your Questions Answered
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How long does it take to prepare this dish?
About 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake—easy peasy! -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep it and store it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. -
What veggies can I add?
Feel free! Zucchini, peas, or even artichokes can complement this dish wonderfully. -
Can I use other types of cheese?
Of course! Swap in your favorites like cheddar or gouda for a creative twist. -
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your chicken broth brand to ensure it fits your dietary needs.
Cooking this Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake is not just about the meal; it’s about enjoying good food with the people you love. I hope you give this recipe a try! It’s simple, wholesome, and sure to tantalize those taste buds. Don’t forget to play around with it and make it your own—cooking is all about creativity, after all! I’m so excited for you to experience it; let me know how it turns out—happy cooking!
Delicious Low-Carb Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake for Easy Dinners
Description
Enjoy this delicious low-carb chicken, spinach, and mushroom bake—creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights!Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
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Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).A well-preheated oven sets the stage for a perfect bake. -
Sauté Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden.Don’t overcrowd the pan for the best sear. -
Add Mushrooms and Garlic
Add the mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until mushrooms are tender, about 3-5 minutes.Enjoy the aroma as they cook! -
Incorporate Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, which only takes about 1 minute.This step brings brightness to the dish. -
Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for a few minutes. -
Add Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until creamy. -
Transfer and Bake
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth it out. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.The aroma will drive you wild!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40g62%
- Saturated Fat 25g125%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 36g72%
- Vitamin A 1800 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 350 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 400 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.5 mg
- Niacin 12 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 150 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 40 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
