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
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
