I bake this Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms when I want a comforting, low‑carb meal that’s nourishing and full of flavor. Tender chicken breast nestled among earthy mushrooms and wilted spinach, all baked to juicy perfection in a creamy sauce—that’s my ideal weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish feels indulgent without carbs—from the creamy sauce to the juicy chicken, it’s both satisfying and guilt‑free. Everything cooks together in one dish, so I spend less time washing up and more time enjoying dinner. It hits the spot when I want something hearty, flavorful, and easy.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Fresh spinach leaves
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Sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
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Olive oil or butter
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Minced garlic
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Heavy cream or half‑and‑half
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Chicken broth (low‑sodium)
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Dijon mustard (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Optional: chopped fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
directions
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I preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
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In a skillet, I heat oil or butter over medium-high heat and season chicken with salt and pepper. I sear each side until golden—about 3 minutes per side—then transfer to an oven-safe baking dish.
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In the same skillet, I add a little more oil or butter and sauté sliced mushrooms until they begin to brown. I toss in garlic and cook until fragrant.
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I stir in the spinach and let it wilt slightly.
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I pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, and half the Parmesan. I stir to combine and let it simmer gently for a minute or two.
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I pour this creamy mixture over the chicken in the baking dish, making sure the pieces are well coated.
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I sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top.
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I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 74 °C/165 °F) and the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened.
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I remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped thyme or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Serves 4
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Prep time: ~10 minutes
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Cook time: ~30 minutes (including searing and baking)
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Total time: ~40 minutes
Variations
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Cheesy twist: I stir in shredded mozzarella or Gruyère before baking for a melty top.
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Lighter version: I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese for a lighter sauce.
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Vegetable boost: I add chopped zucchini or bell peppers to the skillet with the mushrooms for more veggies.
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Spicy kick: I mix in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chipotle powder into the sauce for warmth.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the oven at 160 °C (325 °F) for about 10 minutes, or microwave until heated through. I might add a splash of broth or cream to rejuvenate the sauce.
FAQs
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
I look for an internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F) using a meat thermometer. It should be opaque with clear juices and no pink in the center.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—I thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding. I fold it into the creamy mushroom mixture to heat through before baking.
Is this dish low-carb?
Definitely—it relies on vegetables, cream, and protein instead of pasta, rice, or potatoes, making it a great low-carb option.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely—I sear the chicken and prep the sauce, then assemble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake—just add a few extra minutes of oven time.
What can I serve with it?
I enjoy it on its own or alongside roasted cauliflower, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad.
Conclusion
I love how this Baked Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms gives me a cozy, flavorful meal that fits a low‑carb lifestyle—creamy, comforting, and easy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when I want something both simple and impressive. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Baked Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms in a Low‑Carb Oven Dish
Baked Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms is a cozy, low-carb oven dish featuring seared chicken breasts nestled in a creamy sauce with earthy mushrooms and wilted spinach. It’s easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavor.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil or butter in a skillet and sear chicken on both sides until golden (about 3 minutes per side). Transfer to an oven-safe dish.
- In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until browned. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add spinach and stir until slightly wilted.
- Stir in chicken broth, cream, Dijon mustard (if using), and half the Parmesan. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour the mixture over chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with thyme or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add mozzarella or Gruyère for extra cheesiness.
- Use half-and-half and omit cheese for a lighter version.
- Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
- Include red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Store leftovers up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg