Creamy Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave proper comfort food without the bloat? This chicken spinach and mushroom low carb bake is your answer. Honestly, it's flavour central with none of the guilt!
Brief Overview
This creamy chicken and spinach casserole is inspired by classic comfort food, sans the carbs. It’s dead easy to make, taking about 50 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe makes four generous servings.
Main Benefits
This dish is a lifesaver if you're watching your waistline. It's packed with protein and low on carbs, making it a stellar keto chicken spinach mushroom casserole .
Plus, it's perfect for a cosy night in.
Creamy, Dreamy, and Actually Healthy
Right, let's be honest, we all need a bit of comfort food. I mean who doesn't love a hearty low carb comfort food ? That's why I created this gem.
It's basically a hug in a dish!
This gluten-free chicken casserole brings together all the good stuff. Think tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach. It's all swimming in a creamy chicken and spinach casserole , and baked to perfection.
What Makes This Bake So Special
So, what's the big deal? Well, this healthy chicken and spinach bake tastes amazing. But, it's also actually good for you! It’s a fantastic easy keto chicken dinner option.
The secret's in swapping out the usual carbs for nutrient packed spinach and creamy goodness. You end up with a satisfying one-pan chicken bake low carb meal.
It’s a winning combination if you ask me.
Ingredients You'll Need
-
- 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
This low carb chicken casserole recipe is so versatile too. I've even tried adding sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
The possibilities are endless! It's brilliant for meal prep, and reheats like a dream. I mean, who doesn't love leftovers they'll actually look forward to? This bake ticks all the boxes, every time.
Alright, so you wanna whip up this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb bake? Easy peasy! Let’s talk ingredients and the gear you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Secret Weapons
Honestly, this creamy chicken and spinach casserole is more about comfort than fancy techniques. So, we're keeping it simple. I am making this on a regular basis and the family is always happy when I do!
Main Ingredients for this chicken spinach mushroom bake low carb
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You want good quality here. Organic, if your wallet allows!
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil. Extra virgin for best flavor, you know?
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ).
- 8 oz (225g) cremini mushrooms, sliced. Make sure they are firm.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always best!
- 10 oz (280g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 5oz frozen). Frozen works in a pinch but fresh is always better.
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened.
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream.
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1/4 cup (30g) shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 1 tsp dried thyme.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste.
Seasoning Notes: Zhoosh it Up!
Thyme and garlic powder are your base. But don't be shy! A pinch of nutmeg can elevate the keto chicken spinach mushroom casserole flavor! Smoked paprika can also add a depth of flavor.
For a bit of heat, those red pepper flakes do the trick. Want a low carb comfort food ? Don't skip these!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Basic
You'll need:
- A large skillet or sauté pan.
- A 9x13 inch ( 23x33cm ) baking dish. I normally use pyrex, but whatever is at hand will do!
- A mixing bowl.
You could get away with just one skillet if you really wanted to, for an easy keto chicken dinner ! Honestly, don't overthink it.
This healthy chicken and spinach bake is supposed to be easy! It is also an excelent gluten-free chicken casserole
So there you have it! All you need to make this fantastic one-pan chicken bake low carb . Now go forth and bake! This chicken and mushroom casserole keto will be a hit, I promise!.
You will find the experience great and the dish great!
Cooking Method: Creamy Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake
Oh my gosh, you have to try this! This chicken spinach and mushroom low carb bake is like a warm hug on a plate.
Forget slaving over a hot stove. This low carb chicken casserole recipe is ready in under an hour. Honestly, it's my go-to for easy keto chicken dinner .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means getting everything ready. Chop your 680g chicken, slice those mushrooms, and roughly chop your 280g spinach.
Honestly, pre-chopped spinach is a lifesaver. Don't forget to preheat your oven to 190° C !
Organisation is key. Having everything measured out saves time. Safety first! Wash your hands after handling raw chicken. We don't want any dodgy tummies, do we?
step-by-step: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
- Preheat your oven to 190° C . Grease your baking dish.
- Sauté 150g chopped onion in a pan with 15ml olive oil until soft. About 5 minutes should do it.
- Add 225g sliced mushrooms. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes . Next throw in the minced garlic. Cook for a minute, until you can smell it, it's gorgeous.
- Cook your 680g chicken pieces until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer; they should be 74° C inside.
- Wilt your spinach in the pan, and pour in the 115g cream cheese.
- Stir in 240ml heavy cream, 60g Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp thyme, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Season.
- Pop the mixture into your baking dish, topping it off with 30g mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes . The cheese should be bubbly and golden.
Visual cue for doneness? The cheese will be melted and golden. Critical temp for chicken? 74° C .
Pro Tips: Get Your Chef On!
Want to impress? Brown the chicken properly. It adds loads of flavour! A common mistake is overcooking the chicken. No one likes dry chicken.
You can even make this creamy chicken and spinach casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, and pop it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
Just add a few minutes to the baking time. Consider this gluten-free chicken casserole as a versatile base for endless culinary experiments.
You know, my nan used to make a similar chicken and mushroom casserole keto style, but she used tinned soup.
This version is so much healthier! This healthy chicken and spinach bake recipe will quickly become a family favorite. A true testament of the low carb comfort food .
I’m telling you, this one-pan chicken bake low carb is a game changer!
Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb bake! Honestly, it’s dead simple, but a few extra details can really make it sing.
So, grab a cuppa and let's have a chat.
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions - Get Your Plating On!
Right, so you've got this glorious creamy chicken and spinach casserole fresh out of the oven. How do you make it look the part? First, let it rest. Presentation is everything, innit?
For plating, think rustic charm. A nice dollop on a plate, maybe a sprig of thyme on top? Lovely! Got some low carb cauliflower rice knocking about? That's a perfect side.
Steamed green beans or asparagus would also work a treat. And for a drink? A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is your friend.
Storage Tips - Don't Chuck It!
Got leftovers? Don't bin 'em! Once cooled, bung the keto chicken spinach mushroom casserole into an airtight container. It’ll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing is also an option! Pop it in a freezer safe container and it'll last for up to 2 months. Just make sure it's properly defrosted before reheating.
Reheating? Oven or microwave, your call. Oven is best for that just cooked vibe. Nuke it if you're in a rush.
Make sure is heated to a minimum internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) to ensure your dish is safe to enjoy.
Variations - Get Creative!
Fancy a tweak? Go for it! For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese. Boom! If you’re after gluten-free chicken casserole , you're already sorted! This is already naturally gluten-free.
Need it to be a bit more vibrant? Add sundried tomatoes for that Mediterrean flare.
And for seasonal swaps? In autumn, try using butternut squash instead of spinach. You know? Something a little bit different!
Nutrition Basics - Healthy Chicken and Spinach Bake
Okay, let's keep it real. This chicken spinach mushroom bake low carb dish is pretty good for you. We're talking about roughly 450 calories, 45g of protein, 30g of fat, and only 8g of carbs per serving.
It's packed with protein and healthy fats. And spinach is full of vitamins! Think of it as low carb comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavour or health.
This recipe is designed to be easy keto chicken dinner . You can even make this as a one-pan chicken bake low carb dish with very little cleaning.
So there you have it! All the insider tips and tricks. This creamy chicken and mushroom casserole keto recipe is a winner and pretty darn easy keto chicken dinner .
Give it a go, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken spinach and mushroom low carb bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is actually a great make-ahead meal, perfect for those busy weeknights. Assemble the bake, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
When you're ready to eat, just pop it in the oven (covered) for about 30 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese. It's like magic!
What's the best way to store leftovers of chicken spinach and mushroom low carb bake?
Leftovers are brilliant! Allow the bake to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
If you're using the oven, consider adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
I don't have cream cheese. Can I substitute it with anything in this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb recipe?
No worries, substitutions are your friend! You could use mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. Greek yogurt can also work, but it might add a slight tang. For a richer flavour, consider using sour cream, but be mindful that it might separate slightly during baking, so whisk it well before adding to the dish.
Just remember Delia Smith's advice: taste as you go!
Is there a way to make this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb dish even healthier?
You bet! To lighten it up even further, consider using half and-half instead of heavy cream, or a lighter cream cheese. You could also increase the amount of spinach and mushrooms to add more vegetables and fiber. Another trick is to use chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they contain more flavour and healthy fats.
Remember moderation is key for a healthy life!
Can I freeze this chicken spinach and mushroom low carb bake?
Freezing is an option, but the texture might change slightly. Dairy based sauces can sometimes separate a bit after thawing. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
You may want to add a touch of fresh cream when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
What if I don't like mushrooms? Are there any other vegetables I could use in this chicken spinach and mushroom low dish?
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of mushrooms, no sweat. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) would be a great addition, adding some sweetness and colour. Asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli florets would also work well.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables might need a bit longer to cook through.
Creamy Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
