About
The Spinach Chicken Bake is remarkably simple but all the more tasty for that simplicity. The marinaded chicken is extra tasty after its quick soak in the amazing Italian-inspired seasoning blend, topped with tangy cream cheese and wilted spinach, and then blanketed in mozzarella. It feels homespun and rustic but also free and filling; that might just be the beauty of the Spinach Chicken Bake, that you can find so many layers of love for it and so many reasons to have more!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and cut horizontally
- 2 cups spinach, rinsed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Directions
Step 1 -Add 1 tablespoon of the oil, the garlic, the Italian seasoning, the red pepper flakes, the salt, and the pepper in a large resealable plastic bag, sealing and shaking the bag to combine.
Step 2 -Add the chicken to the bag and seal, massaging the bag to fully coat the chicken in the marinade.
Step 3 -Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 5 -In a skillet or saucepan, heat the remaining oil over medium heat.
Step 6 -Add the spinach to the hot oil and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 7 -Drain the chicken from the marinade.
Step 8 -In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange the chicken breasts, allowing a little room between them.
Step 9 -Layer the cream cheese and the wilted spinach, in that order, over the chicken.
Step 10 -Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top.
Step 11 -Bake until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F internally, about 20-30 minutes.
Step 12 -Serve.
