Absolutely! Here’s a comforting and flavorful recipe for Savory Spinach & Bacon Chicken Bake — a creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed dish with tender chicken and garlicky spinach. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal to impress!
🍴 Savory Spinach & Bacon Chicken Bake
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded slightly if thick)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamed Spinach Filling
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp bacon drippings (saved from cooking bacon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed & drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar for a sharper flavor)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for melting over the top)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side (just until lightly golden, not cooked through). Transfer to baking dish.
2. Make the Creamed Spinach Filling
- In the same skillet (using bacon drippings), sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted (or heated through if using frozen).
- Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, crumbled bacon, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix until creamy and combined.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Spread the spinach and bacon mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms to the spinach mixture for extra flavor.
- Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or provolone for a different cheesy twist.
- Use thin chicken cutlets for faster cooking.