Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom Low-Carb Oven Dish
This creamy, cheesy baked chicken casserole is packed with tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach. It’s low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Sauce
- 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the onions for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Remove from the heat.
3. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- If desired, quickly brown the chicken in the same skillet for 2–3 minutes (it will finish cooking in the oven).
4. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
5. Assemble
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Add the seasoned chicken.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the top and gently stir to coat.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden.
- For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
7. Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Zucchini noodles
- A crisp green salad
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 395
- Protein: 42 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Net Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- Cook the mushrooms until their liquid has evaporated to avoid a watery casserole.
- Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens slightly before serving.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for extra richness and depth of flavor.