Keto Spinach-Artichoke Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food

This Keto Spinach-Artichoke Chicken brings together the creamy, cheesy goodness of spinach artichoke dip with juicy, tender chicken breasts. It’s a delicious low-carb, keto-friendly dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for anyone looking to indulge in comfort food without the carbs. This recipe is not only a hit among those following a keto lifestyle but will also be loved by everyone in your family.

Quick Benefits

• Keto-Friendly: With only 5 grams of carbs per serving, this dish is ideal for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
• High in Protein: Each serving of this dish contains 56 grams of protein, making it perfect for muscle repair and keeping you full.
• Rich in Healthy Fats: The combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese adds healthy fats that help with satiety and provide energy.
• Easy to Make: Ready in just 50 minutes, this dish is simple to prepare and makes for an excellent weeknight dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Even if you’re not following a keto diet, this dish is so flavorful that it will be a hit with everyone at the table.

Essential Ingredients

To make this Keto Spinach-Artichoke Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ½ (10 ounce) package frozen spinach
• 1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ (14 ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 (8 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

These ingredients come together to create a cheesy, creamy topping for your chicken that’s rich and flavorful.

Preparation Steps

Making this Keto Spinach-Artichoke Chicken is simple and straightforward:

1. Prepare the spinach: Microwave the frozen spinach in a medium bowl for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. Make the spinach-artichoke topping: In the same bowl, mix the spinach with the cream cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
3. Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (no more than 1-inch thick) to ensure even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts in the hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
5. Assemble the dish: Place the browned chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Spread the spinach-artichoke mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F (74°C).
7. Add cheese: Top the chicken breasts with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
8. Serve: Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Health Benefits

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

• High in Protein: The chicken breasts provide a substantial amount of lean protein, essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
• Good Source of Healthy Fats: The cream cheese, mayonnaise, and mozzarella cheese provide healthy fats that help with hormone regulation and keep you satisfied longer.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach is a great source of vitamins A and C, iron, and folate, while artichokes are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium.
• Low-Carb: With only 5 grams of carbs per serving, this dish is perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.

Serving Suggestions

This Keto Spinach-Artichoke Chicken can be served in a variety of ways:

• With roasted vegetables: Pair this dish with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for a balanced, low-carb meal.
• On top of cauliflower rice: Serve the chicken on a bed of cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly, rice-like side dish.
• With a side salad: A simple green salad with olive oil and vinegar makes a great accompaniment to this hearty main course.
• With mashed cauliflower: For a creamy and filling side, mashed cauliflower complements the rich flavors of the chicken.

Creative Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe:

• Add herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, top the chicken with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme before baking.
• Use different cheeses: Swap out the mozzarella for cheddar or Gruyère for a different cheesy flavor.
• Add bacon: For a smoky flavor, top the spinach-artichoke mixture with crispy bacon bits before baking.
• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and mayonnaise to make this dish suitable for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Pro Tips

• Pound the chicken evenly: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from spinach: Properly squeezing the spinach ensures that the topping won’t become too watery when baked.
• Use a thermometer: For perfect, juicy chicken, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Double the recipe: If you’re cooking for a crowd, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts. Thighs are more tender and juicy but may require a slightly longer cooking time.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

3. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it until wilted and then squeeze out any excess moisture before using it in the topping.

4. Can I make this dish without the artichoke hearts?
Yes, the artichokes add a unique flavor, but you can omit them if you prefer. You could also substitute them with another vegetable, such as mushrooms or roasted red peppers, for extra flavor.

This Keto Spinach-Artichoke Chicken is a must-try for anyone craving comfort food while sticking to a low-carb or keto lifestyle. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a family favorite!

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