Want to get dinner on the table in under 35 minutes? Well then, try making this easy and delicious Creamy Chicken Bake recipe!
When you’re looking for a dinner that feels both elegant and comforting, this creamy chicken bake is the perfect choice. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken breasts swimming in a rich, creamy, velvety sauce flavored with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly super easy to prepare at home, even for the most novice of home cooks.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the flavors really come together as it bakes. The sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of concentrated sweetness that complement the aromatic blend of Italian herbs, while the cream cheese and Parmesan create an incredibly luxurious sauce that coats every bite. The fresh spinach wilts perfectly, adding a nice fresh kick to the creamy sauce.
In just 35 minutes from beginning to end, you’ll have a meal that’s impressive enough to serve at a dinner party yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner with kids. My favorite part? All of the cooking happens in one dish. Which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor—and that’s something I cherish after a long day in the office. Serve this over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that incredible creamy sauce, and prepare to have a new go-to recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. PS: Picky eaters love this recipe, too! My nieces and nephews wiped their plates clean and were even asking for seconds.
How can I tell that my chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat?
This is a common question I receive from friends who feel hesitant about cooking chicken or other meat at home due to concerns about accidentally consuming raw or undercooked protein, but it’s actually pretty easy to tell. All you have to do is invest in a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure its internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Now that’s not the same temperature for every meat, so here are the safe internal temperatures you should know: beef, pork, and lamb should reach 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium, while ground meats need to hit 160°F, and all poultry (including turkey) requires 165°F for safe consumption.
How do I store leftovers?
If you’ve got any leftovers from this creamy chicken bake, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it by placing the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe baking dish, adding 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to prevent drying, and covering tightly with foil. Heat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of broth and covering to retain moisture.
Serving suggestions
Top this creamy chicken bake off with a handful of finely chopped herbs, a good crack of black pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. I recommend pairing it with a side of this tasty Vegetable Rice Pilaf to soak up that wonderful sauce and a plate of Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower. If you want to add more veggies to your plate, you can also whip up a big bowl of this Spring Salad or even this Healthy Broccoli Salad.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes drained of oil
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and season them with onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Evenly distribute the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, and all-purpose flour until smooth. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the sauce mixture over and around the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, then bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the sauce thickens.
- Remove the dish from the oven and stir in the chopped spinach. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Plate the chicken with the creamy sauce and serve with your favorite side dish like rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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