Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake, an effortless and delicious casserole that combines tender chicken breasts with a blend of fresh spinach and savory mushrooms. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The creamy mushroom sauce, accented with zesty lemon juice and Italian herbs, elevates the dish, while layers of gooey mozzarella and crispy bacon bits bring it to a delightful finish. It's a straightforward, one-dish meal that not only tastes great but fills the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. Grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up this scrumptious dish that will become a staple in your home!
4
Servings
500
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (baked)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
minced garlic
1 tablespoon (fresh)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (squeezed)
condensed mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (ready to use)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (dried)
half-and-half
1/2 cup (cream)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
canned spinach
2 (13 1/2 ounce) cans (drained (or fresh baby leaf steamed))
fresh mushrooms
4 ounces (sliced)
bacon bits
2/3 cup (cooked and crumbled (or about 4 slices of real bacon))
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breast halves on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until they are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. Once cooked, remove from oven and set aside.
3
Raise the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
4
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and lemon juice, stirring until fragrant.
5
Incorporate the condensed mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, half-and-half, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
6
Lightly spray a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the cooked spinach evenly across the bottom of the dish.
7
Layer the sliced mushrooms over the spinach, followed by half of the creamy sauce mixture.
8
Place the baked chicken breasts on top of the mushrooms and pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.
9
Sprinkle the bacon bits evenly across the top, then cover with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned.
11
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creamy Chicken Florentine Bake!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Florentine Bake?
It is a rich and comforting casserole featuring chicken breasts, fresh spinach, mushrooms, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with mozzarella and bacon.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What are the primary macronutrients per serving?
Each serving provides 40g of protein, 30g of fat, and 12.5g of carbohydrates.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
At what temperature should I pre-bake the chicken?
The chicken should be pre-baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the chicken take to pre-bake?
The chicken should bake for 20-30 minutes until no longer pink and juices run clear.
What temperature is used for the final assembly bake?
The oven temperature should be raised to 400°F (200°C) for the final baking step.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 cans of spinach with fresh baby leaf spinach that has been steamed.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x9-inch baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
What ingredients are in the creamy sauce?
The sauce consists of butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, condensed mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed for the topping?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much bacon is used in the recipe?
You will need 2/3 cup of bacon bits, or approximately 4 slices of real bacon that has been cooked and crumbled.
What type of soup is used as a base?
One 10.75 ounce can of condensed mushroom soup is used.
How much garlic should I use?
One tablespoon of fresh minced garlic is used to flavor the sauce.
What is the layering order for the casserole?
Layer the spinach first, then mushrooms, half the sauce, the chicken, the remaining sauce, bacon bits, and finally the mozzarella.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese mixed into the sauce.
What kind of mushrooms are best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms.
How much half-and-half is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of half-and-half cream.
How much lemon juice is added?
One tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to the sauce.
What seasoning provides the Italian flavor?
One tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning is used.
How long is the final bake time for the casserole?
The assembled casserole should bake for 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is done when the mixture is bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly browned.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, lightly spray the baking dish with cooking spray before assembly.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data provided does not specify the fiber content.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
With 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving, it may fit into many low-carb meal plans.
Should the dish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
How much butter is used for the sauce?
1/4 cup of butter is melted as the base for the creamy sauce.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a creamy, gooey casserole with tender chicken and a savory, cheesy topping.