Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms

This savory chicken spinach and mushroom dish has become my go-to dinner option when I need something satisfying yet low-carb. The creamy sauce perfectly balances the earthy mushrooms and tender chicken, creating a restaurant-quality meal right from your oven.

I first created this dish when my family decided to reduce our carb intake but still wanted something comforting. The combination of juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms and creamy cheese sauce has made it our Thursday night tradition ever since.

Ingredients

• Thin sliced chicken breasts: These cook quickly and evenly without drying out. Look for uniform thickness.
• Fresh baby spinach: Provides nutrients and beautiful color contrast. Buy pre-washed for convenience.
• Sliced mushrooms: Creates umami depth and meaty texture. White or cremini work equally well.
• Green onion cream cheese: The flavor foundation of the dish. Philadelphia brand works wonderfully.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible golden brown top. Fresh mozzarella is too wet for this recipe.
• Olive oil: Helps create a smooth sauce while adding richness. Use a good quality but not your most expensive.
• Chicken broth: Thins the sauce while adding flavor. Low sodium versions give you better control of salt levels.
• Herb and Garlic Seasoning: Provides complex flavor without measuring multiple spices. Mrs. Dash works great.
• Black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors. Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference.

How To Make Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish

Prep the baking dish:

Start with a 9x13 baking dish and arrange your chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom. This creates the perfect foundation for the other ingredients to layer upon.

Layer the vegetables:

Distribute your fresh spinach evenly over the chicken, followed by the mushroom slices. Make sure to spread them evenly for consistent cooking and flavor in every bite.

Season generously:

Sprinkle the herb and garlic seasoning and black pepper across the entire dish. The seasonings will infuse into both the vegetables and the chicken during baking.

Create the cream sauce:

In a separate bowl, soften the green onion cream cheese until smooth, then whisk in the olive oil and chicken broth until fully incorporated. The sauce should be pourable but still have some thickness to it.

Pour and partially cover:

Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over everything in the baking dish. Cover loosely with foil without sealing the edges to allow some steam to escape.

Begin the baking process:

Place in a preheated 375°F oven for the initial 20 minutes. This gentle covered cooking helps the chicken stay tender while the vegetables begin to soften.

Continue uncovered:

Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes. During this time, the sauce will reduce slightly and the flavors will intensify.

Add the cheese topping:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the top and return to the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown.

Rest before serving:

Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This crucial step helps the sauce thicken and the flavors settle.

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The green onion cream cheese truly transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. I discovered this ingredient by accident when regular cream cheese was sold out at my local store. Now my husband insists I never make it any other way. The subtle onion flavor permeates the entire dish without overpowering it.

Make Ahead Options

This dish shines as a make-ahead option for busy weeknights. You can assemble everything up to 24 hours before cooking, simply cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to cook, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered cooking time if starting from cold.

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Perfect Pairings

While delicious on its own, this low carb chicken dish pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides refreshing contrast to the creamy main dish. For those not strictly following low carb diets, a slice of crusty bread for sauce-sopping is divine. Roasted cauliflower or broccoli also complement the flavors wonderfully while keeping the meal low in carbohydrates.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Regular cream cheese works fine just add 2-3 chopped green onions. Boneless chicken thighs can replace the chicken breasts for a more succulent result though cooking time may increase slightly. Swiss or provolone cheese creates a more sophisticated flavor profile than mozzarella. Frozen spinach can substitute for fresh just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.

Storage Tips

Leftovers store exceptionally well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything melds together. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions on 70% power to prevent the chicken from becoming rubbery. I do not recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Laying a piece of foil loosely over the dish while baking locks in moisture to keep the chicken tender. Remove the foil in the final stages to allow browning.

→ Can I substitute the spinach or mushrooms?

Yes, you can swap spinach with kale or swiss chard, and mushrooms with zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.

→ What should I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with cauliflower rice, a fresh side salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced low carb meal.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Try using provolone, gouda, or even parmesan cheese for a different taste and texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish earlier in the day (without baking), cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.