Oh, let me share with you one of my absolute favorite comfort dishes—Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken! If you’re like me and sometimes just want a meal that’s delicious but doesn’t suck up your entire evening, then you’re in for a treat. This recipe is hands-down a winner in my household—and it requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort. I particularly love this dish because it brings together the creamy goodness of spinach and artichokes, covered in bubbly cheese, all baked to perfection on top of tender chicken. It’s like having a gourmet meal without the fuss!
I remember the first time I made this recipe; it was one of those nights where I was craving something hearty but didn’t really have the energy to slave away in the kitchen. As the aroma filled my home, and my family gathered around the dinner table, I realized I’d stumbled upon a keeper! So, get your apron on and let’s dive into the deliciousness of this Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken!
What’s in Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken?
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re quick to cook and super versatile.
Fresh Spinach: You can’t beat that vibrant green color! Fresh spinach adds a light and healthy touch, but if you’re in a rush, ½ cup of frozen spinach works just as well—just make sure to thaw and drain it first!
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes are a convenient option—they’re tender and packed with flavor. Just drain and chop them up.
Cream Cheese: This is what gives the dish its creamy texture, making every bite absolutely heavenly.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and works wonders with the cream cheese.
Mayonnaise: I know, I know—this might seem a bit unconventional, but it introduces another layer of creaminess that makes the dish even richer.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because everything’s better with cheese, right?
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A hint of nuttiness here really elevates the whole dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must. There’s just something about garlic that makes everything taste better!
Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness—an essential part of the flavor profile.
Cooking Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
Is Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health! This dish is packed with benefits but does come with a few considerations.
Chicken: A fantastic source of lean protein, which is great for muscle building and overall health.
Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants. Eating spinach is like giving your body a big hug!
Artichokes: They’re loaded with dietary fiber, which is great for digestion, and are natural detoxifiers.
Cheese: Okay, moderation is key here! Cheese provides calcium and protein but can also be high in fat, so you might want to be mindful of portions if you’re watching your diet.
So, it’s definitely a treat-worthy meal, but feel free to adjust the recipe to lighten it up if that’s your jam!
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup sour cream
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
**Servings:** This recipe serves about 4, depending on portion sizes!
How to Make Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. This is your time to shine!
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. (I could practically eat this mixture straight from the bowl!)
3. Stir in the chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and if you like a little kick, toss in those red pepper flakes!
4. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and season them with salt and pepper, too.
5. Spread that delicious spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure every piece is generously covered.
6. Top the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the spinach artichoke mix to achieve that glorious, golden finish.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This is the hardest part, I promise!
Dig into Delight!
Let me tell ya, the smell wafting from your oven will have everyone eagerly waiting at the kitchen door! Feel free to serve your Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
I hope you dive into this recipe soon—it’s one of those keepers that will likely become a family favorite. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out; I absolutely love hearing from you guys! Happy cooking!
