If you’re looking for a decadent, savory dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy spinach mixture, then the Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake is your new go-to dinner recipe. This delightful casserole-style meal offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, meal prep, or any occasion where you want a hearty and satisfying meal.
From the crispy bacon to the luscious, cheesy sauce, every bite is a mouthful of comforting goodness. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply craving a meal that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients, which are easy to find at your local grocery store:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
These ingredients combine to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and packed with all the ingredients you love—crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender chicken. Let’s take a closer look at how to prepare this mouthwatering bake!
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step to making the Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the dish from sticking. The non-stick coating ensures that the chicken and creamy topping cook evenly and come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, you’ll need to season the chicken breasts with some simple spices that bring out the best in the meat. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once combined, rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step helps lock in the juices and ensures that the chicken has a nice crispy texture on the outside. Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Spinach
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the spinach wilts evenly and is coated in the flavorful remnants of the chicken and olive oil. Once the spinach is wilted and tender, remove the skillet from the heat. You can set the spinach aside for now and move on to preparing the creamy cheese mixture.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. This creamy sauce is the secret to making this dish irresistibly rich and satisfying. It binds everything together and adds a layer of luxurious creaminess to the chicken and spinach.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Now it’s time for the fun part—putting everything together! Take the prepared baking dish and lay the seared chicken breasts in a single layer. Next, spread the cooked spinach evenly on top of the chicken. This will create a nice bed of greens beneath the cheesy sauce.
Once the spinach is in place, generously spread the creamy cheese mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Use a spatula to ensure each piece of chicken is fully covered in that velvety, cheesy goodness. To add some extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top of the cheesy chicken. This will give you that irresistible smoky bacon flavor in every bite!
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm it’s fully cooked. As the bake cooks, the cheese will melt and form a delicious crust on top, while the bacon crisps up and adds texture to the dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set and make it easier to slice and serve. Now, dig into your creamy bacon chicken spinach bake and enjoy the savory, cheesy flavors!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving (1/4 of the dish):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
This dish is high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a filling and satisfying dinner. The combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese delivers a satisfying meal, while the spinach adds some healthy greens to round out the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake
1. Use Fresh Spinach
Fresh spinach works best for this recipe because it wilts down beautifully and doesn’t release too much water during cooking. If you prefer, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using.
2. Make Ahead for Busy Nights
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply pop the dish in the oven and bake as directed.
3. Customize the Cheese
Don’t hesitate to try out various types of cheese for a unique twist. Try using cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses for extra richness and flavor. The cream cheese and sour cream base will give you a creamy texture, but the cheese variety can change the flavor profile.
4. Try Chicken Thighs
For a juicier option, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are slightly more forgiving and remain tender and juicy even if they’re cooked a little longer.
5. Add More Veggies
If you’d like to add even more veggies, consider mixing in mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes with the spinach. They’ll add extra flavor and make the dish even more colorful and nutrient-packed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will need to be thawed and cooked longer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature. If using frozen chicken, increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey breasts or even pork chops. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness and type of meat you use.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven for about 10-15 minutes to warm through and help maintain the creamy texture.
Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives. Look for non-dairy cream cheese, coconut cream, or cashew cream to create a rich, creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake is everything you need in a comfort meal: savory, cheesy, creamy, and filled with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just craving something indulgent, this dish is sure to satisfy. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious spinach and cheese mixture makes every bite a treat. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor!
For more delicious recipes to complement your dinner table, be sure to check out the following recipes:
This Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake will quickly become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
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Delicious Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake is a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the spinach: In the same skillet, add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the bake: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Top each chicken breast with the cooked spinach, then spread the creamy cheese mixture on top. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, savory chicken bake!
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a customized flavor!
- For added texture, you can top the bake with breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Creamy Bacon Chicken Spinach Bake, Bacon Chicken Spinach, Chicken Spinach Bake, Cheesy Chicken Spinach Recipe, Easy Chicken Bake, Chicken with Bacon and Spinach