This Cheesy Spinach & Chicken Bake is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into a high-protein, low-carb lifestyle. It’s creamy, melty, comforting, and incredibly filling—ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when cravings hit but you still want to stay on track.
💪 Why This Recipe Is High-Protein
- Chicken breast provides lean, complete protein
- Cream cheese + mozzarella + Parmesan boost protein and satiety
- Spinach adds fiber, volume, and micronutrients without carbs
- Naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free
🕒 Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4 generous portions
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Protein & Veggies
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or frozen, thawed & squeezed dry)
Creamy Cheese Base
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Protein Boosts (Highly Recommended)
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt (blended smooth)
- 1 extra cup shredded chicken if you want ultra-high protein
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C
- Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish or similar casserole dish
2. Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl:
- Add softened cream cheese
- Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
👉 If using cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, fold it in now for extra protein and creaminess.
3. Add Chicken & Spinach
- Fold in the shredded chicken
- Add the chopped spinach
- Mix until everything is evenly coated and thick but spreadable
👉 If mixture feels too thick, add 1–2 tbsp milk or chicken broth.
4. Assemble
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish
- Spread evenly
- Optional: sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top for a golden crust
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes
- Top should be bubbly, golden, and lightly crisp
- For extra browning, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
6. Rest & Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing
- This helps it set and keeps slices neat
🧮 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
(Will vary by brands used)
- Calories: ~380–420
- Protein: ~38–45 g
- Carbs: ~4–6 g net
- Fat: ~22–26 g
🔄 Variations & Add-Ins
- Extra Cheesy: Add ½ cup shredded provolone or cheddar
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli (finely chopped)
- Buffalo Style: Mix in 2–3 tbsp buffalo sauce
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (slice before freezing)
- Reheat: Oven, microwave, or air fryer
🍽 Serving Ideas
- With a side salad or roasted veggies
- Over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
- Stuffed into lettuce wraps
- As a high-protein breakfast leftover
