Name: Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Low-Carb Oven Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 cups mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

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A hearty and healthy low-carb baked casserole featuring tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and sautéed mushrooms, all baked to perfection with creamy cheese and herbs. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that's both nutritious and easy to prepare.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Low-Carb Oven Dish is a complete meal in one pan that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. It's perfect for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste. The combination of protein-rich chicken, nutrient-packed vegetables, and indulgent cheese creates a satisfying meal that feels like comfort food while still supporting your health goals. This recipe is also incredibly versatile - easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Best of all, it comes together with minimal prep and creates few dishes to clean afterward!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast provides lean protein and serves as the hearty base of this dish. It absorbs the flavors of the herbs and vegetables beautifully while keeping the dish satisfying and filling.

Spinach adds vibrant color, texture, and a wealth of nutrients including iron, vitamins A and C. It wilts down considerably during cooking, making it easy to incorporate a substantial amount of vegetables into your meal.

Mushrooms contribute a meaty texture and umami flavor that makes this dish particularly satisfying. They also absorb the garlic and herb flavors, becoming little flavor bombs throughout the casserole.

Mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible melty, stretchy texture that makes this dish feel indulgent while helping to bind the ingredients together.

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty dimension and creates a beautiful golden crust on top of the casserole when baked.

Heavy cream provides richness and creates a silky sauce that coats all the ingredients. It helps prevent the chicken from drying out during baking.

Garlic and onion form the aromatic foundation of this dish, infusing everything with their savory depth. They become sweet and mellow when sautéed.

Olive oil helps to sauté the vegetables and carries the flavors of the herbs throughout the dish.

Dried oregano and thyme are Mediterranean herbs that complement chicken and vegetables perfectly. They infuse the entire dish with their aromatic qualities during baking.

Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing all the flavors in this dish. Be sure to season adequately, as the right amount of salt will bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add the heavy cream and half of the mozzarella cheese to the bowl, stirring gently to coat all ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for individuals. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet moderate calorie option.

Total preparation time is about 45 minutes:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

The hands-on time is relatively short, with most of the cooking happening in the oven, giving you time to prepare a side dish or take care of other tasks while dinner bakes.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Mediterranean twist.

Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to add heat to this comforting dish.

Herb Garden Delight: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor profile. Try rosemary, basil, or sage.

Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey breast or even firm tofu for a different protein option.

Vegetable Variations: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for additional vegetables and flavor.

Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this dish suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Meal Prep Enhancement: Add cauliflower rice at the bottom of the baking dish to create a complete one-dish meal with an even lower carb count.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after a day as the ingredients have time to meld together.

Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into individual servings in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating from Refrigerated: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stopping halfway to stir.

Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the methods above, or reheat directly from frozen in a 325°F oven for about 30-40 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Meal Prep Tip: This dish is excellent for meal prep. Make a double batch on Sunday and portion into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even juicier meat. Just be aware that cooking time might increase slightly, and the fat content will be higher.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into a larger piece – it should be completely white with no pink remaining.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the recipe. You'll need about 1 cup of thawed, squeezed frozen spinach to replace the 3 cups of fresh.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?

Half-and-half or evaporated milk can work as lighter alternatives, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk provides similar creaminess.

What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

Since this is already low-carb, you might want to serve it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice. If you're not strictly low-carb, crusty bread or a side of quinoa works nicely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients.

How can I add more flavor to this dish?

Try marinating the chicken pieces for a few hours before cooking, adding a splash of white wine to the vegetable sauté, or incorporating fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, with approximately 6-8g of net carbs per serving (depending on exact vegetable quantities), this dish fits well into a ketogenic diet plan.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works great. Simply shred or dice it and add it to the vegetable mixture. Reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes since you're just heating through and melting the cheese.

Why is my casserole watery?

This can happen if the spinach or mushrooms release too much liquid. To prevent this, make sure to cook the vegetables thoroughly in the skillet to evaporate excess moisture before combining with other ingredients.

Conclusion

This Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Low-Carb Oven Dish brings together the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and satisfying cheese in one easy-to-prepare meal. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste preferences while still maintaining its low-carb profile. Whether you're specifically following a low-carb diet or simply looking for a nutritious, comforting dinner option, this casserole delivers on all fronts. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach creates a dish that feels like comfort food without the guilt. Plus, its make-ahead potential and excellent reheating qualities make it ideal for busy weeknights and meal planning. Give this recipe a try when you're craving something hearty, healthy, and absolutely delicious!