Description
This Irresistibly Creamy Healthy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is a delicious low-fat casserole that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful mix of spinach, artichokes, and a light yogurt-based sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for a nutritious family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (butterfly cut into 4 cutlets)
Spinach Artichoke Mixture
- 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 can (14 oz) marinated artichoke hearts (drained and roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlet-like pieces for even cooking.
- Make Spinach Artichoke Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the roughly chopped spinach, drained and chopped artichoke hearts, plain low-fat yogurt, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish: Place the 4 chicken cutlets in a single layer inside a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Spinach Artichoke Topping: Evenly spread the prepared spinach artichoke mixture over each chicken cutlet, covering the surface thoroughly.
- Add Cheese: Place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken cutlet, ensuring full coverage for a creamy melted topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for moist chicken.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to serve the chicken to drain any excess liquid, then plate and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Butterfly cutting the chicken breasts ensures even and faster cooking.
- The use of low-fat yogurt keeps the dish creamy but healthier compared to cream cheese or sour cream.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese if you want to reduce fat content further.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of quinoa, brown rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
