Introduction
If youโre looking for a delicious and healthy dinner that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, look no further than this Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish! This savory dish combines tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and earthy mushrooms, all baked together in a creamy sauce thatโs bursting with flavor. Not only is it easy to prepare, but itโs also a one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of protein and veggies makes this dish satisfying without the carbs, ensuring you stay on track with your health goals. Letโs dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a family favorite!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Low Carb and Healthy: Perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet while still being hearty and filling.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup with just one baking dish required.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The creamy sauce, combined with the flavors of chicken, spinach, and mushrooms, creates a comforting meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients List
For the Oven Dish:
- โ๏ธ ๐น 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- โ๏ธ ๐น 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- โ๏ธ ๐น 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- โ๏ธ ๐น 1 cup heavy cream
- โ๏ธ ๐น 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- โ๏ธ ๐น 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- โ๏ธ ๐น 3 cloves garlic, minced
- โ๏ธ ๐น 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- โ๏ธ ๐น Salt and pepper to taste
- โ๏ธ ๐น 1 tablespoon olive oil
- โ๏ธ ๐น Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
2. Sautรฉ the Vegetables
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sautรฉ the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Chicken
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Combine the Sauce
- Mix Cream and Cheese: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed and creamy.
5. Assemble the Dish
- Layer Ingredients: Pour the cream and cheese mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered. Then, evenly distribute the sautรฉed spinach and mushroom mixture on top.
6. Bake the Dish
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
7. Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving for a spicy kick!
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs and Spices: Customize the dish with your favorite herbs, such as fresh basil or rosemary.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. It may take an additional 10-15 minutes to cook through.
What if I donโt have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-carb milk alternative, but it may result in a slightly thinner sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it until youโre ready to bake it.
Conclusion
This Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish is a delicious, wholesome meal thatโs perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty dinner without the carbs. With its creamy sauce and flavorful ingredients, itโs sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family. Try this recipe today, and donโt forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your cooking adventure! ๐๐๐ฅฌ
Print
Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish
This Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish is a satisfying, healthy meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor! ๐๐ฅฌ๐
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautรฉing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and grease a baking dish.
- Sautรฉ Vegetables: In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, sautรฉing until the mushrooms are tender. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, sautรฉed spinach and mushrooms, heavy cream, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish! ๐ฝ๏ธโค๏ธ