Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight
As the leaves turn golden and the crisp air nips at your nose, there’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy meal that fills your home with delightful aromas. Enter Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken, a dish that has become a cherished favorite in my home—perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy spinach artichoke dip, melted cheese blanketing the top, bubbling softly in the oven. It’s the kind of dish that makes your heart feel cozy and satisfied, turning any ordinary day into a special occasion. And trust me—you’ll want to pin this easy weeknight dinner recipe for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting and indulgent: The creamy spinach artichoke dip paired with tender chicken makes for a rich, tasty meal you’ll want to savor.
- Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this cheesy chicken delight, and it’s adaptable for any dietary preferences!
- Versatile side options: Serve it with your favorite accompaniments like buttered noodles, rice, or a refreshing salad to complete the meal.
- No-fuss cleanup: With just one baking dish and minimal prep, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the cozy vibes.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (***see notes)
- 1 (10-16oz) container spinach artichoke dip (or any cream cheese-based dip)
- 1 heaping cup shredded cheese (I use cheddar or mozzarella)
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- Pound your chicken breasts to flatten them out a bit—this step isn’t required, but it helps the chicken cook faster and soak up all that creamy goodness.
- If you prefer smaller portions, feel free to cut the chicken into manageable pieces.
- Place the chicken into the greased dish in a single layer, ensuring each piece has room to shine.
- Generously spread a thick layer of the spinach artichoke dip over the chicken. You may not use all the dip depending on the size of your container and the amount of chicken you’re cooking.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top—because who doesn’t love a gooey cheesy layer?
- Bake uncovered on the center rack of your oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Keep in mind that cook time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- Serve warm, either alone or with your favorite sides. My family loves it with fluffy buttered noodles or a side of rice.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a pop of flavor that really brightens up the dish.
- Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a refreshing addition that brings a garden-fresh taste.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or jalapeños over the cheese for those who love a little heat in their baked chicken.
- Creamy Dream: Swap the spinach artichoke dip for a buffalo chicken dip for a fiery, indulgent version!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead magic: You can assemble this dish a few hours in advance or even the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
- Ingredient swaps: Feel free to use different types of cheese or dips based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Storage suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Slicing tips: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing to keep the juices locked in, ensuring tender, juicy bites.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with dip and cheese
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 27g
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to switch up the dip, try different cheeses, or add your favorite toppings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
Leftovers will stay good for about 3 days in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping!
Wrapping It Up
Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that your whole family will cherish. Whether you’re enjoying it with loved ones or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish promises to deliver comforting flavors and satisfying bites. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board, so you always have it ready for those moments when you crave a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. Happy cooking!
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Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A cozy and comforting baked chicken dish smothered in creamy spinach artichoke dip and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1–2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10-16 oz) container spinach artichoke dip (or any cream cheese-based dip)
- 1 heaping cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pound your chicken breasts to flatten them out a bit.
- Place the chicken into the greased dish in a single layer.
- Spread a thick layer of spinach artichoke dip over the chicken.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
You can assemble this dish a few hours in advance. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, spinach artichoke, baked chicken, comfort food, weeknight dinner