Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer.
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to cook through).
Transfer the chicken to your prepared baking dish.
This step creates a flavorful crust and keeps the chicken tender during baking.
3. Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce
In the same skillet:
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Reduce heat to medium.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
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Stir and let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
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Fold in the spinach and cook until wilted.
If using red pepper flakes, stir them in now for a gentle heat.
The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and slightly thick — perfect for coating the chicken.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy spinach mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
If you love extra cheesiness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a golden finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Buttered pasta
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Steamed rice
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Roasted asparagus or broccoli
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Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
Adjust the Thickness
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer a bit longer before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
Why You’ll Make This Again
Creamy Spinach Parmesan Baked Chicken is:
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Elegant enough for guests
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Easy enough for weeknights
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Rich but balanced
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High in protein
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Comforting and satisfying
It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes part of your regular dinner rotation — the one everyone asks for again and again.
