Description
This Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender baked chicken breasts with a creamy spinach artichoke dip and melted cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a comforting and cheesy twist on classic baked chicken that pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttered noodles or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Toppings
- 1 (10-16 oz) container spinach artichoke dip (or any cream cheese-based dip)
- 1 heaping cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to allow for faster, more even cooking and to ensure each bite has a good amount of cheesy topping. Optionally, cut the chicken into smaller, manageable portions if desired.
- Layer Chicken and Dip: Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spread a thick layer of the spinach artichoke dip evenly over the top of the chicken. Depending on how much chicken you’re cooking and the size of your dip container, you might not use it all.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the dip-covered chicken to create a flavorful melted topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered on the center rack of the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165° F. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and size of the chicken breasts.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the cheesy baked chicken on its own or alongside your favorite sides like buttered noodles or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and faster, but you can skip this step if you prefer.
- Cutting the chicken into smaller portions can make serving easier and ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer, use any cream cheese-based dip in place of spinach artichoke dip to customize flavors.
- Check chicken doneness by using a meat thermometer or cutting into the thickest part to ensure no pink remains.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
