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For this creamy low carb chicken bake, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained) - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil I use cream cheese and mozzarella for this dish. Cream cheese makes it rich and creamy. It adds a nice texture that melts well. Mozzarella gives a stretchy, gooey feel that everyone loves. You can also mix in other cheeses like parmesan. They add a sharp taste that balances the creaminess. When choosing chicken breasts, look for a pink color with no spots. The meat should feel firm and look moist. For spinach, fresh leaves should be bright green and crisp. If using frozen, make sure it is fully thawed and drained. Sun-dried tomatoes should be plump and packed in oil for the best flavor. Always check expiration dates on cream cheese and mozzarella to ensure freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven, so your dish cooks evenly. Next, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Use a good amount to enhance the flavor. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sear each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown. This gives the chicken a nice crust. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Add in the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon to blend everything well. The mixture should be creamy and smooth. This blend adds a rich flavor to the chicken. After searing the chicken, remove the skillet from heat. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Make sure to cover them generously for great taste. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the topping should look bubbly and slightly golden. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal! To make your creamy low carb chicken bake extra smooth, use softened cream cheese. It blends well with the mozzarella. Mix them until they are fully combined. The spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add flavor and color. If the mix seems too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out. Searing the chicken first helps lock in the juices. Cook each side for about five minutes until golden. Then, bake it until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for perfect chicken every time. This keeps it juicy and tender. For a beautiful plate, serve your chicken on a bed of fresh arugula. The green adds a pop of color. You can also place roasted veggies beside it for extra texture. Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top. This adds a nice touch and enhances the dish’s flavor. Pro Tips Brining the Chicken: Soak the chicken breasts in a simple brine (water and salt) for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance moisture and flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda or parmesan for a unique flavor twist. Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the creamy mixture for added freshness and aroma. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to retain its juices and enhance tenderness. {{image_2}} For a tasty low-carb twist, swap out the chicken for other proteins. Turkey or pork tenderloin can work well. You can also use cauliflower for a veggie option. Cauliflower has a nice texture and soaks up flavors well. This keeps the dish low in carbs while still being filling. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Slice them thin and mix into the creamy base. You can also layer them under the chicken in the skillet. Spinach is already in the recipe, but kale or broccoli could add a nice crunch too. Get creative with flavors! Try adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary. A dash of lemon juice can brighten the dish. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also mix in some pesto for a fresh twist. These tweaks let you make the dish your own. To keep this creamy low carb chicken bake fresh, use an airtight container. Place the cooled dish inside. Cover it tightly to prevent air from getting in. If you want to store it for a long time, consider freezing it. For freezing, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. This keeps it safe from freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can use the oven or a microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it's hot throughout. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Check every minute to avoid overcooking. This dish lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Just make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you can enjoy it later without guessing when you made it. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just divide it into containers for easy meals during the week. It tastes great even after a few days in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven or microwave when you are ready to eat. Absolutely! You can use different cheeses to change the flavor. Cream cheese and mozzarella work well, but you can try cheddar or gouda too. Just remember that each cheese will give a unique taste and texture. So, feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo! To make this dish dairy-free, you can swap the cream cheese and mozzarella. Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based cheese that melts well. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the dish. This way, you keep the creaminess while avoiding dairy. Enjoy your tasty meal without the dairy! This blog post covered all you need for a great dish. We explored the key ingredients and types of cheese. You learned how to prepare and bake the chicken perfectly. I shared tips to keep your dish creamy and flavorful. We also discussed variations to fit your diet and storage info for leftovers. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy trying out this recipe!

Creamy Low Carb Chicken Bake

A delicious and creamy chicken bake that's low in carbs and packed with flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained)
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
  • Once the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from the heat. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them generously.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the creamy topping is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a bed of fresh arugula or alongside roasted vegetables for added color and texture. Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze for an extra touch!
Keyword bake, chicken, creamy, low carb