Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Chicken (Print)

Tender chicken pieces baked with a creamy blend of cheeses, fresh spinach, and chopped artichoke hearts for a comforting dinner.

# Ingredients:

→ Protein

01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 3 large breasts)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Dairy

03 - 8 ounces Neufchâtel cheese, softened
04 - 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (any fat content)
05 - 1/2 cup small curd cottage cheese (2%)
06 - 1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
07 - 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese, divided

→ Vegetables

08 - 14 ounce can artichoke hearts packed in water, drained well (approximately 1½ cups chopped)
09 - 2 cups fresh spinach, lightly packed (or 8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
13 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly coat an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.
02 - Slice each chicken breast lengthwise, then cut against the grain into thin ¼-inch slices. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until opaque, turning as needed. Drain excess liquid, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine softened Neufchâtel cheese, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup parmesan, garlic powder, dried basil, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.
04 - Chop drained artichoke hearts and spinach into small pieces, then fold them into the cheese mixture.
05 - Add the cooked chicken to the cheese and vegetable mixture, stirring until everything is well coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining 1/3 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons parmesan.
06 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is completely melted. For extra bubbly, golden cheese, broil for 4-5 minutes at the end.
07 - Serve hot directly from the oven.

# Notes:

01 - This dish combines the flavors of classic spinach artichoke dip with protein-rich chicken for a complete meal.