Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This dish combines juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutrient-rich spinach in a savory cream sauce, all topped with melted cheese for a golden, bubbling finish.
Not only is it hearty and filling, but it’s also versatile, you can serve it with pasta, rice, or even on its own as a low-carb meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is the ultimate fuss-free baked chicken dinner that’s still impressive enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and mushrooms; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
- Place chicken breasts in prepared baking dish.
- Spread spinach-mushroom mixture over the chicken.
- Pour sauce evenly on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the entire dish.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations
- Keto-Friendly: Use cream cheese instead of soup and serve without pasta.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Gruyère.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay tender during baking.
- If sauce seems too thick, thin it with extra broth or cream.
- Fresh spinach gives the best flavor, but frozen works if well drained.
- Bake uncovered for a golden cheesy top.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Great with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving so sauce thickens slightly.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 37g
- Sodium: 690mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make chicken spinach mushroom bake ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, freeze baked or unbaked up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking or reheating.
Q3: Can I use frozen spinach?
- Yes, thaw and drain well to avoid excess water.
Q4: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
- Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but Gruyère or provolone add depth.
Q5: Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?
- Yes, use cream of chicken soup or make a quick homemade béchamel.
Conclusion
Chicken Spinach Mushroom Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and spinach in a flavorful sauce topped with bubbling cheese, this recipe is simple to prepare yet full of comfort. Versatile, customizable, and freezer-friendly, it’s a baked chicken dinner that will quickly become a weeknight favorite.