Save Indulge in a comforting, cheesy meal without the carb-heavy guilt. This Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Low Carb Oven Dish is a protein-packed casserole that brings together tender chicken, earthy sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce. Topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan, it is a flavorful solution for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Save Creating a balanced and delicious oven-baked dish has never been easier. By layering simple, fresh ingredients and allowing the oven to melt everything into a cohesive, bubbly masterpiece, you get a meal that feels like comfort food while remaining gluten-free and health-conscious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish.
- Step 2
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms; sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
- Step 3
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 5
- Spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Step 6
- Layer the sautéed mushroom, spinach, and onion mixture over the chicken.
- Step 7
- Drizzle heavy cream evenly over the top.
- Step 8
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the entire dish.
- Step 9
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Step 10
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure that you sauté the mushrooms and spinach thoroughly. This step is crucial for removing excess moisture, which prevents the casserole from becoming watery during the baking process. Additionally, letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven allows the cream and cheese to set properly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, stir in some red pepper flakes with the garlic and seasonings. For a time-saving hack, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds a great roasted flavor to the casserole.
Serviervorschläge
This creamy casserole is delicious when served alongside a fresh green salad or roasted cauliflower. For those who want a bit more texture, it also pairs wonderfully with zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli, soaking up the rich, cheesy sauce.
Save Whether you are sticking to a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a new family favorite, this Chicken Spinach & Mushroom Oven Dish is sure to impress. With its combination of tender protein and bubbly cheese, it is the ultimate comfort meal that is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works excellently in this dish. Simply chop or shred about 2 cups of meat and skip any pre-cooking steps. This actually reduces your total prep time significantly.
- → How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Sauté your mushrooms and spinach thoroughly before layering them in the dish. This step releases excess moisture that would otherwise pool during baking. Also, avoid covering the dish while baking.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.
- → What vegetables can substitute for spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or broccoli florets work well as alternatives. Just remember to cook them down thoroughly to remove moisture before adding to the casserole.
- → Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F until warmed through.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond creamer. Use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese blend in place of the mozzarella and parmesan.