Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Bake

why make this recipe

This Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Bake is simple and warm. It uses few ingredients and cooks in one dish. It saves time and cleans up fast. If you like easy oven meals, also try a BBQ chicken and cornbread bake for another simple dinner.

introduction

This bake mixes chicken, fresh spinach, and mushrooms with a light creamy sauce. It makes a full meal that is mild and family friendly. You can change spices or cheese to match what you like.

how to make Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Bake

Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish. Sear chicken pieces on the stove a little to give color. Sauté mushrooms and garlic, then add spinach until it wilts. Mix cream or milk with a little cheese and seasoning. Layer chicken and vegetables in the dish and pour the sauce over. Bake until the chicken is done and the top is light brown. For a different comfort style, see a simple biscuits and gravy bake for ideas on hearty sides.

Ingredients :

• 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup milk or light cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, to thicken)
• Cooking spray or a little oil for the dish

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking dish.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat oil in a pan on medium-high. Sear chicken 2 minutes per side until light brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add mushrooms and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted. If you used raw spinach, it will shrink a lot.
6. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables if you want a thicker sauce. Stir for 1 minute.
7. Pour milk or cream into the pan and warm until it thickens slightly. Stir in half the cheese.
8. Place chicken in the baking dish. Spoon the spinach and mushroom sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
9. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches safe internal temperature and cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

how to serve Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Bake

Serve hot from the oven. This dish goes well with rice, pasta, or a simple green salad. You can also add a slice of crusty bread to soak the sauce.

how to store Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Bake

Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave in short bursts. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Bake

• Use room temperature chicken so it cooks evenly.
• Don’t overcook mushrooms; they lose flavor if dry.
• If you like a thicker sauce, add a little more flour or use less milk.
• Use fresh spinach for the best texture. Frozen spinach will add more water; squeeze it dry first.
• Check chicken with a meat thermometer for 165°F (74°C).

variation (if any)

• Add cooked bacon or pancetta for smoky taste.
• Use feta or goat cheese for a tangy version.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for color and flavor.
• Make it lighter by using low-fat milk and less cheese.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, but thaw and squeeze out extra water first. This keeps the bake from getting soggy.

Q: Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs stay juicy and work well. Adjust bake time if pieces are very large.

Q: Is this dish good for meal prep?
A: Yes. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats easily for lunches or dinners.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: You can assemble it and keep it covered in the fridge for a day, then bake when ready.

Q: What side is best with this bake?
A: Rice, pasta, or a simple salad are good and easy choices.

Conclusion

This bake is a simple comfort meal that fits busy nights and small gatherings. For a similar creamy chicken and spinach idea, you can read the recipe Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken – Fox and Briar and another related version at Simple Mushroom Chicken with Creamy Spinach Sauce.