Name: Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped; 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; Olive oil spray or drizzle

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you love the flavors of the classic spinach artichoke dip and crave a fuss-free, protein-packed meal, Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken will shoot straight to the top of your must-make list! This is the kind of dish that makes any hectic night feel a little bit celebratory, combining juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy topping that tastes far more decadent than the easy prep work would let on. With a quick bake and some simple pantry staples, you’ll have a dinner that’s equally perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back gatherings—just the sort of comfort food magic we all need.

Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something so magical about how just a handful of straightforward ingredients can transform into something irresistible. Each component in this recipe pulls double-duty, maxing out the flavor and texture—think tender chicken, indulgent cheese, and bright pops of artichoke and spinach. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The ultimate blank canvas—juicy, mild, and perfect for soaking up the creamy topping.
Canned Artichoke Hearts: These add briny brightness and a hearty, almost meaty bite that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese.
Frozen Spinach (thawed and squeezed dry): Delivers earthy flavor and gorgeous green color for both nutrition and visual appeal.
Cream Cheese (softened): The key to that luscious, creamy topping; let it come to room temp for easy mixing.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Mayonnaise brings classic creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a tangy, protein-boosted sub if you prefer.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty depth and savory umami—don’t skip it!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (divided): Half goes in the mix for gooeyness, the rest melts into a golden, bubbly crown.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry MVPs add warmth and big flavor without any chopping.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to make all the other flavors pop.
Olive Oil Spray or Drizzle: Helps the topping get gorgeous color while keeping things lighter than a heavy pour of oil.

How to Make Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by cranking your oven up to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish—this keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent results in the oven. The goal: juicy chicken that cooks through without drying out.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Arrange the chicken breasts in your prepped dish and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These basic seasonings are your flavor foundation, making sure the chicken itself is never bland—even beneath that creamy layer.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, chopped artichoke hearts, and prepared spinach. Mix until everything is thoroughly blended. This thick, dreamy mixture is what transforms the chicken into something worthy of the Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken title!

Step 4: Spread, Sprinkle & Drizzle

Spoon the creamy spinach artichoke blend evenly over each chicken breast, spreading to cover edge-to-edge. Take the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle it generously over the top—this will create the coveted golden-bubbly finish. Finally, give everything a light spray or drizzle of olive oil to help with browning and flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When the chicken juices run clear and the topping is irresistibly golden and bubbling, dinner is ready. Rest the chicken for about 5 minutes before serving—this trick keeps every bite juicy.

How to Serve Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken

Garnishes

Take things to the next level with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley or basil, which adds fresh color and a herbaceous pop. For a little zip, consider a few grinds of black pepper or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving. That last touch always wows your taste buds and guests alike.

Side Dishes

This dish feels right at home alongside fluffy rice, a twirl of buttered pasta, or a heap of garlicky roasted veggies. The creamy topping loves a carb to soak up all those glorious juices, but it’s equally at ease with a light salad if you’re keeping things on the lighter side. Roasted potatoes or crusty bread never disappoint here, either.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try slicing the Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken and arranging it atop a platter with lemon wedges and extra artichokes for color. Or, cut into smaller strips and serve as a shareable appetizer on crostini or over little toasts. You could even stuff the filling into split chicken breasts for a fancier take—a great way to elevate your next potluck or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have a serving or two left over, just transfer the cooled chicken to an airtight container and stash in the fridge. The flavors actually meld and deepen after a day, so don’t hesitate to make extra for tomorrow’s lunch or a second easy dinner.

Freezing

Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken also freezes like a dream. Wrap individual portions tightly or use freezer containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve that dreamy texture (no mushy spinach here!).

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil to keep things tender. About 15 minutes should do the trick, but make sure it’s warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch—just use lower power and short bursts to avoid rubbery chicken or separated cheese.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just chop it finely and sauté quickly to wilt and cook off any excess moisture before mixing into your filling. Frozen spinach is quicker, but fresh works wonderfully and adds a vibrant flavor.

Is it okay to swap Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap for a lighter, slightly tangier result. It still gives you that creamy texture, plus a little extra protein—great if you’re watching your calories or just love that fresh, tangy bite.

What if I don’t have artichoke hearts?

No worries—while artichokes are a signature part of Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken, you can use chopped cooked asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers as a tasty alternative. It’ll be different, but still delicious!

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The most reliable way is with an instant-read thermometer: the chicken should register 165°F at the thickest point. If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear and there should be no pink inside when you cut into a breast.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You certainly can! Assemble everything up until the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the cold fridge.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken that feels like winning at dinnertime: bold flavors, creamy comfort, and a meal that’s as easy as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this is the kind of recipe that turns any night into a little celebration. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite “lazy” dinner hero!

Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Lazy Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a creamy, flavorful dinner. Tender chicken breasts are topped with a rich mixture of artichokes, spinach, and cheeses, then baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Spinach Artichoke Topping:

1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For Finishing:

Olive oil spray or drizzle

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Prepare Topping: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, chopped artichokes, and spinach until well combined.
Assemble: Spread the spinach artichoke mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.