Creamy Chicken Artichoke Spinach Bake
This Creamy Chicken Artichoke Spinach Bake is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Tender chicken tenderloins are layered with a rich, creamy blend of artichoke hearts and spinach, all topped off with crunchy pecans for added texture. This delightful casserole is not just delicious; it’s also a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with rice or a baked potato, and impress your family or guests with a dish that's both hearty and sophisticated. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken tenderloins
1 lb (trimmed and dusted with seasoning)
artichoke hearts
1 (14 ounce) can (drained and coarsely chopped)
spinach
1 (14 ounce) can (drained and squeezed in cheesecloth)
parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated or use a parmesan-asagio blend)
real mayonnaise
3/4 cup (none)
chopped garlic
1 teaspoon (none)
Tony Chachere's seasoning
to taste (for seasoning chicken)
pecans
1/2 cup (crumbed (pulse in processor))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a 9" x 9" casserole dish, place the drained and squeezed spinach evenly on the bottom.
3
Evenly dust the chicken tenderloins with Tony Chachere's seasoning, then lay them on top of the spinach layer.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the real mayonnaise, chopped artichoke hearts, grated parmesan cheese (or a parmesan-asagio blend), and chopped garlic. Mix until all ingredients are well blended and creamy.
5
Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken layers, ensuring all the chicken is covered.
6
Finally, top the casserole with the crumbed pecans for an added crunch.
7
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbling. Remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a golden top.
8
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with rice or a baked potato!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Artichoke Spinach Bake?
It is a comfort food casserole featuring chicken tenderloins layered with a creamy artichoke and spinach mixture and topped with crunchy pecans.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The primary ingredients include chicken tenderloins, canned artichoke hearts, canned spinach, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, Tony Chachere's seasoning, and pecans.
How long does it take to bake this dish?
The casserole should bake for 30-35 minutes in a preheated oven.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Can I use fresh spinach instead of canned?
Yes, but you must cook and thoroughly squeeze the fresh spinach to remove all excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
Why must the spinach be squeezed in cheesecloth?
Squeezing the spinach ensures the casserole doesn't become watery or soggy while baking.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Chicken tenderloins are recommended as they are lean, tender, and cook relatively quickly.
What is Tony Chachere's seasoning?
It is a Creole seasoning blend used to flavor the chicken tenderloins before layering.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the creamy mixture?
While real mayonnaise provides the best texture and flavor, some people use Greek yogurt or sour cream as alternatives, though the results may vary.
Is this Chicken Artichoke Spinach Bake low-carb?
Yes, with only 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a great option for low-carb diets.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this bake contains approximately 300 calories.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9" x 9" casserole dish is the standard size for this recipe.
What kind of cheese works best?
Grated parmesan cheese or a parmesan-asagio blend is recommended for the creamy topping.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 20-25 minutes to keep the chicken moist.
When should I remove the foil from the dish?
Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to help the pecan topping become golden and crunchy.
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?
Yes, but they must be completely thawed and patted dry before you begin assembly.
How do I prepare the pecans?
Pecans should be crumbed by pulsing them in a food processor until they are in small pieces.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This bake is best served with rice or a hot baked potato to complement the creamy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is easy to assemble and stores well, making it a convenient option for weekly meal planning.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 25g of protein per serving.
Can I add extra garlic?
Absolutely, you can increase the amount of chopped garlic if you prefer a bolder flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I substitute the pecans?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer other nuts, you can use crushed walnuts or omit them entirely.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal because everything is baked together in a single casserole dish.
How many grams of fat are in a serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving in this recipe.
Can I use fresh artichokes?
Canned or jarred artichoke hearts are recommended for convenience, but cooked fresh hearts can be used if they are chopped properly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on how much Tony Chachere's seasoning you use; it is generally savory rather than hot.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be opaque throughout and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a 9" x 13" dish, though you may need to increase the baking time.
What makes the topping crunchy?
The crumbed pecans on the top layer provide a distinct crunch that contrasts with the creamy base.