There’s something magical about a dish that manages to be creamy, cheesy, hearty, and yet completely low carb. This chicken spinach and mushroom oven dish is exactly that. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to on busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but want to stick to a low-carb or keto lifestyle. With juicy seared chicken, tender spinach, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce topped with gooey mozzarella, this one-pan wonder is as satisfying as it is easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish

This isn’t just another chicken bake. It’s a game changer for your dinner rotation. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Key Benefits

Quick and Easy to Prepare
You don’t need hours in the kitchen or a long list of fancy ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh produce, this dish comes together in under an hour from start to finish.

Low Carb and Keto-Friendly
Packed with protein and healthy fats, this meal keeps carbs to a minimum without skimping on flavor. It’s perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet—or anyone just looking for a lighter take on classic comfort food.

Creamy and Cheesy Perfection
The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite. The melted cheese on top turns golden and bubbly in the oven, adding an irresistible finishing touch.

Family Approved
Even picky eaters love this dish. It’s mild enough for children yet flavorful enough for adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Suitable For

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. It’s ideal if you’re:

• Cooking for a family and need a one-pan meal.

• Following a low-carb or keto diet.

• Planning to meal prep for the week—this dish reheats beautifully.

• Looking for a gluten-free dinner option.

• Hosting friends and want something easy yet impressive.

Ingredients for Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish

Getting started is simple. The ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture.

Core Ingredients

Chicken Breasts
Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce. Boneless, skinless breasts work best, but thighs are a great alternative if you prefer dark meat.

Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms bring a deep, earthy flavor to the dish. White button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms all work beautifully.

Fresh Spinach
A generous helping of fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a subtle freshness that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.

Garlic
Minced garlic adds warmth and depth. Don’t skip this—it’s essential for building the flavor base.

Heavy Cream
This is what gives the sauce its luxurious, silky texture. It melds beautifully with the cheeses for a decadent result.

Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan infuses the sauce with a salty, nutty flavor, while mozzarella creates the irresistible golden, melty topping.

Olive Oil or Butter
Use either to sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables. Butter will add a richer flavor, while olive oil keeps it a bit lighter.

Seasonings
Salt, pepper, and a touch of dried thyme or Italian seasoning bring everything together. Optional red pepper flakes add a gentle kick if you like a little heat.

Substitutions and Tips

Make It Dairy-Free
Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.

Switch Up the Protein
Chicken thighs are juicier and slightly more forgiving than breasts if you tend to overcook. You could also try turkey cutlets or even pork chops.

Use Frozen Spinach if Needed
If fresh spinach isn’t on hand, thawed and well-drained frozen spinach works perfectly.

Amp Up the Herbs
Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled over the finished dish brightens up the flavors and adds a lovely pop of color.

Want More Heat?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a subtle spicy kick.

Best Chicken Cuts for This Low Carb Oven Dish

While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you’re not locked in. Here’s how to choose the best cut for your needs:

Boneless, Skinless Breasts
They’re lean, cook quickly, and pair well with the creamy sauce. Searing them before baking keeps them moist.

Boneless, Skinless Thighs
Thighs offer a richer flavor and more forgiving cooking time. Perfect if you prefer dark meat.

Tenderloins
Smaller and quicker to cook, tenderloins are a good option for feeding kids or if you’re short on time.

Tip: Whichever cut you choose, aim for even thickness so the chicken cooks evenly in the oven. If needed, pound them gently with a meat mallet.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes this dish even easier to pull off.

Must-Have Tools

• Oven-Safe Skillet or Casserole Dish – Essential for going from stovetop to oven without extra cleanup.

• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – For prepping chicken, mushrooms, and spinach.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accuracy matters, especially for the cream and cheese.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Meat Thermometer – Helps ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F.

• Silicone Spatula – Great for stirring the sauce and scraping every bit of goodness from the pan.

• Garlic Press – Speeds up the prep if you’re not a fan of mincing garlic by hand.

How to Make Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish

This is where the magic happens. Don’t let the creamy sauce or golden cheese fool you—this dish is surprisingly easy to pull together. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal on the table in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready to finish cooking your chicken to tender perfection once it’s seared and covered in sauce.

Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is all you need to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.

Heat a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil or butter—whichever you prefer. Once it’s hot and shimmering, carefully lay in the chicken breasts.

Sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until they’re golden brown. You’re not trying to cook them through at this stage—just giving them a beautiful crust and locking in moisture. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, sear the chicken in batches so each piece gets that lovely golden sear.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to encourage browning, then stir occasionally until they’re tender and golden, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant—it’s the moment your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, stirring gently. It may seem like a lot of spinach at first, but it cooks down quickly to the perfect amount.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and your dried thyme or Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally as it begins to thicken slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Tip: Keep the heat low to avoid the cream curdling. You’re aiming for a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the creamy mushroom and spinach mixture. Spoon some of the sauce and veggies over the top of each piece to keep them moist as they bake.

Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the entire dish. It’s going to melt into a gooey, golden topping in the oven.

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the cheese is beautifully bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute, keeping your chicken perfectly moist.

Serve it as is for a simple low-carb meal or pair it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a crisp green salad for a little extra freshness.

Tips for Success

Cooking a creamy chicken bake is simple, but these extra tips will help you get it just right every single time.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Overcooked chicken can dry out. A thermometer ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F.

• Broil for a Golden Top: If you love a bubbly, browned cheese topping, broil the dish for 2 to 3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

• Thicken the Sauce if Needed: If your sauce seems too thin, stir in a small cube of cream cheese before baking. It adds extra creaminess too.

• Prep Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the cook time.

How to Store Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish

This dish reheats like a dream, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

At Room Temperature

Leave it out no longer than 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated to keep it safe.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out the chicken.

Freezing Tips

Freeze individual portions or the whole dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. This prevents your sauce from becoming watery.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely. With minimal carbs and plenty of healthy fats, it fits beautifully into a keto lifestyle.

What sides go well with this dish?

This chicken bake pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete low-carb meal.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can assemble everything ahead and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Chicken Spinach and Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish, you might enjoy these other savory meals:

• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Rich, buttery, and perfect for busy weeknights.

• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – A golden-crusted chicken with an indulgent garlic cream sauce.

• Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne – Creamy pasta with mushrooms, asparagus, and tender chicken.

Conclusion

This chicken spinach and mushroom low carb oven dish has all the makings of a go-to dinner: it’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and incredibly easy to pull together. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder fits the bill. Try it tonight, and you might just find it becoming a regular in your dinner rotation.

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