Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Bake – Easy & Delicious
This Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Oven Dish is a delicious way to enjoy a satisfying, low-carb meal that’s packed with flavors. Imagine tender chicken breasts topped with fresh baby spinach and savory mushrooms, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with hints of green onion and garlic. It’s an easy one-pan dish that bakes to bubbly perfection in under an hour, making it ideal for a family dinner or a meal-prep option for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Dish
This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-protein meal. It’s full of deliciously seasoned chicken, healthy greens, and hearty mushrooms, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese for that satisfying bite. The sauce, made with green onion cream cheese, olive oil, and chicken broth, adds a luscious creaminess without needing any extra carbs. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and made in a single pan for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 small bag fresh baby spinach – Adds a nutritious, leafy layer to the dish.
- 1 dash pepper – For a touch of heat.
- 1 dash Herb and Garlic Seasoning – Enhances the overall flavor with hints of herbs and garlic.
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates a melty, cheesy topping that complements the chicken and veggies.
- 6 thin sliced chicken breasts – Lean protein and the heart of this dish.
- 1 container green onion cream cheese – Adds a subtle green onion flavor and creaminess to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup olive oil – Helps keep the chicken moist and adds richness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds depth and a savory taste to the sauce, making it pourable and flavorful.
- 1 large package sliced mushrooms – A delicious, earthy component that pairs well with spinach and chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
- Arrange the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by laying the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure each piece of chicken has space around it, so it cooks evenly.
- Add Spinach and Mushrooms: Spread the fresh baby spinach evenly over the chicken, followed by the sliced mushrooms. This adds layers of flavor and texture while keeping the dish light and low-carb.
Step 2: Season the Dish
- Sprinkle the Seasonings: Lightly sprinkle a dash of black pepper and a dash of herb and garlic seasoning over the top. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to taste, depending on your preferences. This seasoning adds a wonderful depth to the dish, bringing out the flavors of the chicken, spinach, and mushrooms.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Take the green onion cream cheese out of the refrigerator to soften slightly. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Whisk the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, olive oil, and chicken broth until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the base of the sauce, which will soak into the chicken, making it moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce and Prepare to Bake
- Pour Over the Chicken and Veggies: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, spinach, and mushrooms in the baking dish. Spread it as evenly as possible to cover all areas of the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover with Foil: Lay a piece of foil over the baking dish, but do not seal it completely. This helps the dish cook evenly without trapping too much moisture, allowing the chicken to absorb all the flavors without becoming soggy.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
- First Bake (Covered): Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes with the foil laid loosely on top. This initial bake allows the chicken to cook through while letting the flavors meld together.
- Second Bake (Uncovered): After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes. This step helps the mushrooms and spinach become tender while slightly reducing the sauce, creating a thicker consistency.
Step 6: Add the Mozzarella Topping
- Sprinkle with Mozzarella Cheese: Take the baking dish out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables. Mozzarella adds that irresistible cheesy layer, perfect for a gooey, melty finish.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for another 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly. This last step adds a golden finish that makes the dish even more appetizing.
Step 7: Let It Cool and Serve
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
- Enjoy! Serve this dish as a comforting, low-carb main course that’s perfect for family dinners or even special occasions.
Tips and Variations
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more low-carb veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and flavor.
- Try Different Cheeses: While mozzarella works wonderfully in this dish, you could also try Swiss, provolone, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a subtle kick of heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can store portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Use Boneless Thighs: If you prefer, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are even juicier and full of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This low-carb casserole is a fantastic meal on its own, but you can pair it with other low-carb sides for a more complete meal:
- Cauliflower Rice: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce while keeping the dish low in carbs.
- Zucchini Noodles: These light and fresh “noodles” make a great pasta alternative.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Simple steamed veggies are a great, healthy addition.
- Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While the nutritional values can vary, here’s an approximate breakdown for this low-carb dish:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
This nutritional profile makes it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet, while still being high in protein and flavor.