Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake with a Cottage Cheese Kick
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for something creamy, comforting, but, like, not terrible for you? Well, let me introduce you to my Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese.
It's proper lush, tastes amazing, and is secretly packed with protein and flavour.
Brief Overview
Spinach artichoke dip is a classic for a reason. But this recipe turns that party favourite into a complete meal.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Expect to be scoffing down this dish in about 45 minutes and this recipe serves four hungry bellies.
Main Benefits
We all know that chicken breast can be a bit boring, right? This recipe is here to save the day.
With its creamy texture that comes from the unexpected addition of cottage cheese, you can make a super healthy option on the menu.
Try our Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Getting Started
So, what makes this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Breast Recipe so special? Honestly, it's the ease. It's quick, and it uses simple ingredients that you can get anywhere.
And the combo of spinach, artichokes, and that cheesy sauce? Chef's kiss! Ready to get started? Let's have a look at what you need to rustle this up.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Spinach Artichoke Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full fat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (light or regular)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sprinkle of Paprika
Cooking: Made Easy
Here's where the magic happens. Follow the simple steps to create a delicious dinner. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together perfectly.
This Easy Chicken Bake Recipes is a family favorite for its simplicity and taste!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese recipe. Honestly, it's pretty straightforward. You probably have half of this stuff already!
Main Ingredients
Chicken:
You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Aim for about 6 oz (170g) each.
- Quality Indicators: Fresh chicken should be pink, not grey. It shouldn't smell funky. Trust your nose, love.
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil for searing the chicken.
1/2 tsp (3g) salt.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper.
Spinach Artichoke Mixture:
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil for cooking the garlic.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh is best!
- 10 oz (280g) frozen spinach. Important: thaw it and squeeze out ALL the water. I mean it!
- 1 (14 oz/400g) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped.
- 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese. low-fat or full fat. Your call. I sometimes buy the blended cottage cheese instead of regular, its creamier and smoother!
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese. The proper stuff, not that powdery stuff in a shaker.
- 1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise. Light or regular, you do you.
- 1/4 tsp (1g) red pepper flakes. Only if you like a little kick!
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Topping:
- 1/4 cup (25g) shredded mozzarella cheese.
- A sprinkle of paprika.
This Creamy Artichoke Chicken recipe leverages simple ingredients. Getting your Spinach And Cottage Cheese mixture just right is key!
Seasoning Notes
The magic is in the mix of salty Parmesan, creamy cottage cheese, and that tiny bit of heat from the red pepper flakes.
If you don’t have red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne will do.
- Essential Spice Combinations : Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic. Don't skimp!
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : Garlic is a must!
- Quick Substitution Options : No Parmesan? Pecorino Romano will work in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Honestly, nothing too fancy here. You probably already have everything.
- A 9x13 inch baking dish. Or any oven safe dish of similar size.
- A large skillet. For searing the chicken.
- A mixing bowl. For the spinach artichoke mixture.
- Tongs. To flip the chicken.
- A cheese grater.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
No fancy gadgets needed for this Easy Chicken Bake Recipes .
- Essential Tools Only : Baking Dish, Skillet, Mixing Bowl.
- Common Household Alternatives : Don't have a skillet? Use a frying pan. The point is to lightly brown the chicken, you can make this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole using the tools you already have!.
Cooking Method: The Secret to Amazing Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese
Honestly, this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Breast Recipe is practically foolproof. Think of it as elevated comfort food. We are skipping all the intimidating steps of a "real" recipe.
Here is the best part - the recipe is based on easy baking! Let's dive into it.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place , Mate!
Alright, before we even think about turning on the oven, let’s get our ducks in a row. This is what they call mise en place in fancy restaurants, but we're just getting organised.
First, preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Seriously, do it now.
Next, gather all your ingredients chicken breasts, frozen spinach, artichoke hearts, cottage cheese (the secret weapon!), Parmesan, mayonnaise, and garlic.
Measure out all your spices, your olive oil, and make sure the Spinach And Cottage Cheese are ready to go.
Thaw that spinach and squeeze out all the water. You don't want a soggy mess, trust me! Having everything prepped saves you time and stress, letting you focus on making delicious Chicken And Artichokes .
Safety reminder: always wash your hands after handling raw chicken.
step-by-step: Baking Magic!
- Prep the Chicken: Drizzle chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In a hot skillet, sear for 2- 3 minutes per side until browned.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add spinach and artichoke; cook until heated.
- Combine spinach mix with cottage cheese, Parmesan, mayo, and seasoning in a bowl. This is where the magic happens, and we get the Creamy Artichoke Chicken
- Place seared chicken in a baking dish. Spread the spinach artichoke mixture over it.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and paprika if you're feeling fancy.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Rest before serving.
Pro Tips: From Good to Gourmet
Here's a little chef secret: squeeze every last drop of water from that spinach. Watery spinach artichoke mix? No thanks.
To avoid dry chicken, use a meat thermometer. Bake until it's perfectly done. Taste the spinach artichoke mixture before spreading.
Adjust seasoning as needed. One time I didn't, and it was far too peppery, and everyone acted politely, but I knew.
make-ahead option? Assemble the dish, but don't bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5- 10 minutes to the baking time.
You'll have yourself some Cottage Cheese Chicken Bake
Recipe Notes for Your Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese
Alright, let’s talk shop about this Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese ! I’ve made this bad boy so many times. Trust me, I've learned a few tricks along the way.
Serving Ideas: Level Up Your Plate!
Presentation matters, you know? This creamy artichoke chicken looks fantastic served over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice.
A simple green salad on the side adds a fresh touch. For a fancier vibe, try plating it with some roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli.
And for drinks? A crisp white wine or even just a sparkling water with lemon is spot on! A little paprika sprinkle on the top always makes it pop.
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Smarts
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken and artichokes dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
You can freeze it, but the texture of the cottage cheese might change a bit. Honestly, I think it's best fresh.
Remix Time: Variations for Every Taste
Want to make it your own? Go wild! For a low carb spinach artichoke chicken version, skip the breadcrumbs on top.
If you are in the mood, add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavour. If you're avoiding dairy, use a plant based mayo and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Easy peasy. Make sure that you try adding spinach and cottage cheese combo to other recipes too!
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, so you get about 400 calories per serving. It's packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and cottage cheese.
Plus, you sneak in a good dose of veggies. It's not exactly health food, but it's definitely a healthier take on comfort food.
Remember, this is just an estimate, so use your own numbers!
Making this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Breast Recipe is easier than you might think and is one of those easy chicken bake recipes .
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and give it a go! I know you'll love it.
Trust me, even my fussy Auntie Pam raves about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with cottage cheese ahead of time?
You certainly can, mate! Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with cling film, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, just take it out about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed.
Just add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
My spinach artichoke mixture seems a bit watery what did I do wrong?
Ah, that’s a common one! The key is making sure you really squeeze all the excess water out of the thawed spinach before adding it to the mixture. Use your bare hands or a tea towel to press out as much moisture as humanly possible to avoid a soggy situation.
Using blended cottage cheese is a great tip for ensuring the consistency is not too watery!
What are some variations I can try with this Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with recipe?
Fancy jazzing things up a bit? Absolutely! Try adding a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes and some Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist. Or, for a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the spinach artichoke mixture.
Substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise will make the dish lighter and tangier!
How do I store leftover Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for best results, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through this will help keep the chicken moist and the topping bubbly.
A bit of extra mozzarella on top won't hurt, either!
Is this Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese recipe healthy?
This dish can definitely be part of a balanced diet! It's packed with protein from the chicken and cottage cheese, plus you're getting some good nutrients from the spinach and artichokes. To keep it even lighter, use low-fat cottage cheese and mayonnaise.
Serve with a side of steamed broccoli for a truly virtuous and delicious meal!
Can I use frozen artichoke hearts for the Easy Spinach Artichoke Chicken with recipe?
While canned artichoke hearts are recommended for convenience, frozen artichoke hearts can certainly be used if that's what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw them completely and squeeze out any excess water before chopping and adding them to the spinach mixture. This will help prevent a watery final dish!
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake With A Cot
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
