Let’s face it: It can be tough to find a recipe that checks all the boxes: high in protein, simple to make, and indulgently delicious. Too often, nutritious meals lean too hard into one end of the spectrum—either overly complicated or lacking that crave-worthy comfort food feel. But this creamy spinach artichoke chicken bake manages to do it all.
With tender chicken breasts nestled in a rich, cheesy mixture of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan, plus a savory boost from spinach and artichoke hearts, this dish feels downright decadent—without derailing your health goals. It’s simple enough to make for a delicious weeknight winner and satisfying enough to serve to guests (if you’re willing to share). Let’s dig in.
Why We Love This High-Protein Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake
This simple spinach artichoke chicken bake may just become your next go-to for good reason: it’s creamy, cheesy, packed with protein, and surprisingly nutritious. Plus, each ingredient pulls its weight—both in terms of flavor and health benefits.
Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, which helps build and maintain muscle, supports metabolism, and keeps you feeling full and satisfied. Cubing and browning the chicken before baking adds an extra layer of flavor, giving the dish a golden, savory bite in every forkful.
Spinach adds a pop of green and a boost of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. Sautéing it first helps remove excess moisture, so the final dish stays rich and creamy without becoming too watery.
Artichoke hearts bring subtle sweetness and an earthy depth, along with fiber, folate, and antioxidants that support digestion and health. They pair beautifully with the slightly tangy, salty flavors of the cheeses.
Cottage cheese is the protein-packed underdog here—it blends smoothly into the sauce while bringing a creamy texture and light tang. It’s also rich in calcium, B vitamins, and casein protein, which digests slowly to keep you fuller longer.
Mozzarella and parmesan add melty, savory goodness. Mozzarella brings mild creaminess, while parmesan offers that sharp, nutty punch that makes everything taste just a little more indulgent.
Together, these ingredients create a dish that feels like comfort food—without the heavy aftermath. It’s balanced, flavorful, and made with real, whole foods that work just as hard as you do.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained
- 2 cups cottage cheese (preferably 4%)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish (9 x 13 works well).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken in one layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly browned (about 2 – 3 minutes) and then flip to brown the other side (another 2 – 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another one or two minutes.
- In the same pan, add the chopped spinach and cook for 1 – 2 minutes until just wilted and most of the moisture is gone. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Use a clean, thin dish towel, cheesecloth, or paper towel to press out excess liquid from the artichokes. (It’s okay if they’re a bit smashed). Then, finely chop them.
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese with onion powder. Use an immersion blender and blend until smooth. (You can also use a small food processor for this step.)
- In your prepared baking dish, add the cooked chicken mixture, artichokes, blended cottage cheese, and 2/3 of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese (reserving the rest). Mix until combined before spreading the mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the pre-heated oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the top, and cook for another eight minutes.
- Turn the oven to broil for the final two minutes for a golden crust.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions for this High-Protein Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- For a lighter meal, serve with a fresh green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze.
- For something heartier, spoon over cooked quinoa, brown rice, or whole grain pasta for extra fiber and staying power.
- For a low-carb option, enjoy with a side of roasted cauliflower or steamed broccoli.
- Toast up some crusty whole-grain bread to scoop up the creamy goodness.
Leftovers also reheat well—making this an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
High-Protein Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Takeaways
When you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—but still want to keep things on the nutritious side—this spinach artichoke chicken bake delivers every time. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, indulgent enough for company, and packed with ingredients that fuel your body while pleasing your palate. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!
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