Spinach and Artichoke Chicken

This spinach artichoke chicken dish combines tender chicken with creamy cottage cheese, savory artichokes, and nutritious spinach for a protein-packed meal that satisfies without weighing you down. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious that doesn't require hours in the kitchen.

I first created this recipe when trying to use up some leftover cottage cheese and spinach. What started as a kitchen experiment has become one of our family's most requested dinners, especially when we're craving comfort food without the carb overload.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: fresh boneless skinless breasts work best as they provide the perfect canvas for our flavorful additions
• Cottage cheese: adds incredible creaminess and protein while keeping the dish moist. Look for full fat variety for best flavor
• Fresh spinach: provides nutrients and color. Choose bright green leaves without any yellowing
• Artichoke hearts: adds a mild tanginess that balances the richness. Jarred or canned work equally well just ensure they're well drained
• Garlic: freshly minced cloves provide aromatic depth. Choose firm bulbs without sprouting
• Parmesan cheese: adds savory umami notes. Freshly grated offers superior flavor to pre-grated options
• Olive oil: prevents sticking and adds richness. Extra virgin brings the best flavor profile
• Salt and pepper: essential for enhancing all other flavors. Sea salt and freshly ground pepper make a difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Chicken:

Set your oven to 400°F which creates the perfect environment for quick cooking without drying out the protein. While waiting for the oven to reach temperature cut your chicken breasts into even 1inch pieces ensuring they will cook uniformly in the time specified. The uniform size is crucial for preventing some pieces from overcooking while others remain underdone.

Create the Creamy Mixture:

This step builds the foundation of flavors that will infuse into the chicken. Combine the cottage cheese which adds moisture and protein with the vibrant spinach providing color and nutrition. Mix in the chopped artichoke hearts for their distinctive tangy flavor along with the minced garlic which becomes more mellow when baked. Finish with Parmesan cheese which adds a salty depth and helps bind everything together. Stir thoroughly until you see an even distribution of all ingredients ensuring every bite will have the perfect balance of flavors.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

The olive oil serves dual purposes here creating a nonstick surface while adding richness to the finished dish. Pour it into your baking dish and tilt to ensure even coverage including the corners where food tends to stick. When adding the chicken mixture spread it in an even layer rather than mounding it in the center which would cause uneven cooking and potentially leave some chicken undercooked.

Bake to Perfection:

During these 25-30 minutes of baking magic happens as the proteins tenderize and the flavors meld together. The cottage cheese breaks down slightly creating a creamy sauce while the chicken releases its juices which combine with the other ingredients. For food safety be certain the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature checking multiple pieces with a meat thermometer especially those in the center of the dish.

Serve While Hot:

The dish is at its most glorious straight from the oven when the cheese is still slightly bubbling and the aromas are at their peak. A quick garnish of fresh spinach adds color contrast and a fresh element to balance the rich baked components.

Pin it

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the cottage cheese transforms during baking. I was skeptical the first time I tried using it in a hot dish but it creates this incredible creamy texture that's far more interesting than using heavy cream or a traditional cheese sauce. My husband who claimed to hate cottage cheese didn't even recognize it in this dish and now requests it regularly.

Storing Leftovers

This spinach artichoke chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days making it perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in your fridge. The flavors actually develop overnight making day two potentially even more delicious than the first serving. To reheat simply microwave individual portions for about 90 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through. Unlike many chicken dishes this one maintains its moisture even after reheating.

Pin it

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Turkey breast works beautifully in place of chicken with nearly identical cooking times. If youre avoiding dairy ricotta can substitute for cottage cheese though it will create a slightly different texture. For a vegetarian version replace the chicken with firm tofu cubes or cooked white beans adjusting the baking time down to 20 minutes. The spinach can be swapped for kale baby arugula or even Swiss chard just be sure to remove any tough stems. Fresh herbs like basil thyme or oregano make wonderful additions if you have them on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides depending on your dietary preferences. For a low carb meal serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. If youre including carbs roasted sweet potatoes or a slice of crusty bread work wonderfully to soak up the creamy sauce. For an elegant presentation spoon the chicken mixture over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. When entertaining I often serve this in individual ramekins with a small side salad for an impressive but effortless presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water before mixing it with the other ingredients.

→ What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

Ricotta cheese or cream cheese can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese to maintain the creamy texture of the dish.

→ How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be white and no longer pink inside.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and bake it when ready to serve.

→ What side dishes pair well with this dish?

This chicken bake pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa or rice for a complete meal.