Mediterranean Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake
This Mediterranean Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is a creamy, flavorful comfort dish that brings together the best of a classic spinach-artichoke dip and tender, juicy chicken. With a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, plus bright artichokes and spinach for balance, this bake feels indulgent but fresh. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something easy yet impressive—creamy in the center, golden on top, and full of Mediterranean warmth.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lb / 680 g)
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, chopped
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp (2 g) salt
¼ tsp (1 g) black pepper
½ tsp (1 g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Make the Spinach-Artichoke Mixture:
In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped spinach and artichokes until evenly combined.
Assemble the Bake:
Spoon the spinach-artichoke mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top.
Bake Until Bubbly:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.
Rest and Serve:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like.
Serve With:
This dish goes beautifully with roasted potatoes, couscous, quinoa, or a crisp green salad for a complete Mediterranean-style meal.
Tips
Soften the Cream Cheese Properly:
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. Softened cheese blends smoothly and creates a creamier topping.
Don’t Skip the Sear:
Quickly searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and adds flavor from the golden crust. It’s worth the extra few minutes.
Drain the Artichokes Well:
Excess liquid from the canned artichokes can water down the mixture. Pat them dry with paper towels before chopping.
Use Fresh Spinach When Possible:
Fresh spinach gives a bright, clean flavor. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze it dry completely to avoid a runny bake.
Adjust Creaminess to Taste:
If you prefer a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For a richer dish, add an extra spoon of cream cheese.
Check Doneness Early:
Chicken thickness can vary. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes — the center should reach 165°F (74°C).
Let It Rest:
Resting for a few minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Presentation Tip:
For a golden-brown top, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes of baking — just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Variations:
Greek-Inspired Twist:
Add a handful of chopped Kalamata olives and a few crumbles of feta to give it a distinctly Greek flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Version:
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, sweet addition that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
Low-Carb Spinach-Artichoke Casserole:
Skip the chicken entirely and double the spinach-artichoke mixture for a vegetarian main or keto-friendly side dish.
Add a Crunchy Topping:
Mix breadcrumbs or crushed pita chips with olive oil and sprinkle on top before baking for a crisp crust.
Lighter Mediterranean Option:
Use light cream cheese, reduced-fat mozzarella, and swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. You’ll still get a creamy texture with fewer calories.
Herb Boost:
Mix in fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the topping for a more aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
Make It Spicy:
Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle with a bit of chili oil before serving for a kick of heat.
Make Ahead:
Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the water before mixing it into the filling. If you skip this step, your bake could turn watery.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and flavorful. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time depending on their thickness.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Q: How can I make this lighter?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese, light mayonnaise, and substitute part of the mayo with Greek yogurt. You can also use less cheese without losing flavor.
Q: What can I serve it with?
It pairs well with simple sides like roasted potatoes, garlic rice, couscous, quinoa, or a crisp Greek salad. For a low-carb meal, try roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Once cooled, store portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 4)
Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Note: Values may vary slightly depending on the type of cheese and mayo used.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake delivers all the comfort of a creamy casserole with the freshness of Mediterranean flavors. The mix of tender chicken, garlicky artichokes, and melty cheese makes it both indulgent and balanced. It’s an easy one-dish meal that works for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Serve it hot, with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs, and you’ll have a dish that feels cozy, elegant, and completely satisfying.