Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Bake

Here’s a cozy, creamy, and wholesome dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal:

🍗🌿🍄 Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Bake

Juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a creamy, cheesy sauce — all baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients:

• Protein & Veggies:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks or strips

  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)

  • 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)

• Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups milk (or half-and-half for richer sauce)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• Optional Topping:

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter and extra cheese (for crunch)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2. Cook Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
   Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
   Cook 5–6 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Veggies:
   In the same skillet, add onion and mushrooms. Cook until soft and golden (about 5–6 minutes).
   Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
   Stir in spinach and cook just until wilted. Remove from heat.

4. Make the Sauce:
   In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
   Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
   Stir in Parmesan and half the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Assemble the Bake:
   In your prepared baking dish, combine chicken, sautéed veggies, and sauce. Mix gently.
   Top with remaining cheese and optional breadcrumb topping.

6. Bake:
   20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
   Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier top if desired.

7. Serve:
   Great with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Or serve as-is for a low-carb option!

💡 Tips:

• You can prep this ahead and refrigerate it before baking.

• Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce.

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Want a version with pasta baked in? Or made into a freezer meal?