Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese
If you love the creamy, cheesy goodness of spinach artichoke dip, this Spinach Artichoke Chicken recipe is made for you. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are topped with a luscious mixture of cottage cheese, spinach, artichokes, and seasonings for a healthy yet indulgent meal. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spinach Artichoke Chicken recipe takes the flavors of your favorite creamy dip and turns them into a hearty, protein-packed dinner. With tender chicken and a cheesy, spinach-filled topping, it’s both comforting and nutritious, perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining.
- Protein-Packed: Chicken and cottage cheese provide a healthy boost of protein.
- Creamy & Flavorful: Spinach, artichokes, and spices create a rich, comforting topping.
- Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it weeknight-friendly.
- Low Carb & Gluten-Free: Perfect for many dietary preferences.
Ingredients
The key to this dish is combining fresh, wholesome ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. From tender chicken breasts to creamy cottage cheese and nutrient-rich spinach, every element contributes to a savory, satisfying meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 | Boneless, skinless |
| Olive oil | 1–2 tbsp | For searing |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Spinach | 2 cups | Fresh or frozen (thawed & drained) |
| Artichoke hearts | 1 cup | Canned or frozen, chopped |
| Cottage cheese | 1 cup | Low-fat or full-fat |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Grated |
| Mozzarella cheese | ½ cup | Shredded |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp | Optional, for a slight kick |
Time Breakdown
Knowing how long each step takes makes weeknight cooking stress-free. From prep to searing to baking, this section gives you a clear timeline so you can enjoy a delicious meal without unnecessary delays.
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Sautéing & Mixing: 10 minutes
- Baking: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: ~40–45 minutes
How to Make – Step by Step
Even complex flavors are easy to achieve with clear guidance. This step-by-step section shows you how to sear the chicken, prepare the spinach-artichoke topping, and bake everything to perfection.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown (not fully cooked).
- Prepare Spinach Artichoke Topping
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, minced garlic, chopped artichokes, spinach, and red pepper flakes.
- Assemble & Bake
- Place seared chicken in a baking dish.
- Spoon the spinach-artichoke mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and topping is bubbly.
- Serve
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Flexibility in the kitchen allows you to tailor this dish to your taste. This section explores ingredient substitutions and creative variations so you can customize the recipe while keeping it flavorful and satisfying.
- Cheese: Swap cottage cheese for cream cheese or ricotta for a richer texture.
- Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach.
- Artichokes: Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers add a different flavor.
- Spices: Add paprika, Italian seasoning, or garlic powder for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach Artichoke Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here, we share ideas for serving it over grains, vegetables, or alongside fresh salads to make a complete and balanced meal.
- Serve with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Top with a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Storing Tips
Proper storage ensures your chicken stays moist and flavorful. Learn how to refrigerate, freeze, and reheat leftovers so you can enjoy this dish again without losing any of its creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Microwave or oven until heated through.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small tricks can make a big difference in texture and flavor. From squeezing out excess moisture in spinach to broiling for a golden finish, these tips help elevate your dish from good to restaurant-quality.
- Sear chicken before baking to lock in juices.
- Squeeze excess water from thawed spinach to avoid a soggy topping.
- For an extra golden topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Conclusion
This Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender, juicy chicken for a healthy and flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknights or impressing dinner guests, it’s simple, delicious, and packed with protein. Bake a batch tonight and enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.