Savory Smothered Chicken Topped with Spinach & Mushrooms

Ingredients

1 large onion, sliced lengthwise

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

17 grams of zesty Italian salad dressing mix

8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 1⁄2 c. shredded mozzarella provolone parmesan blend cheese

8 oz. fresh spinach

8 oz.neufchatel cheese

1 tsp salt, to taste

1 tsp pepper, to taste

Instructions

Coat a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Start by caramelizing an onion, then add mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown.

Blend the Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese) with the package of Zesty Italian Dressing mix in a small bowl.

Arrange chicken breasts in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of each chicken breast.

Use a whole 8-ounce bag of fresh spinach to cover the pan’s contents.

Spread the onion and mushroom mixture evenly over the spinach.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add the shredded mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese mixture on top.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the biggest breast reaches 170 degrees F.

Prepare a lovely risotto or rice pilaf for serving.

Notes:

Layered Flavor: This recipe offers a delightful layering of flavors, from the caramelized onions and mushrooms to the creamy Neufchatel cheese mixture and the blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese.

Versatile Ingredients: The ingredients used in this dish are versatile and readily available, making it easy to adapt to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it until ready to bake. This is convenient for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Side Dish Suggestions: While the recipe suggests serving the dish with risotto or rice pilaf, it pairs well with various sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad, offering flexibility in meal planning.

Cheese Options: While the recipe calls for a specific blend of cheeses, you can customize the cheese topping to your liking. Experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavor profiles.

Chicken Variations: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe, but bone-in chicken breasts can also be used with adjusted cooking times to ensure thorough cooking.

Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth. Increase the amount of mushrooms and spinach to compensate for the omitted protein.

Freezing Leftovers: Leftovers can be frozen for future meals, providing a convenient option for meal prep. Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Onion Caramelization: Caramelizing the onions adds depth and sweetness to the dish, but if time is limited, you can skip this step and simply sauté the onions until softened.

Herb Substitutions: While fresh spinach is recommended, you can use thawed and drained frozen spinach. Additionally, dried herbs can be substituted for fresh, but adjust the quantity accordingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 servingCalories: 343Sugar: 6.5 gSodium: 1382.7 mgFat: 21.3 gCarbohydrates: 13.4 gProtein: 26.1 gCholesterol: 74.7 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be substituted for fresh in this recipe.

However, make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before using it to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

What can I use as a substitute for Neufchatel cheese?

If Neufchatel cheese is not available, you can use regular cream cheese as a substitute.

The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it will still work well in the recipe.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator.

Bake as directed when ready to serve.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken dish?

This savory chicken dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as risotto, rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Can I use a different type of cheese for topping?

While the recipe calls for a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese, you can customize the cheese topping to your preference.

Cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere cheese would also work well in this dish.

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless?

Yes, bone-in chicken breasts can be used in this recipe.

However, cooking time may need to be adjusted to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth. Increase the amount of mushrooms and spinach to make up for the omitted chicken.

Is it necessary to caramelize the onions before adding them to the dish?

Caramelizing the onions adds a rich, sweet flavor to the dish, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Simply sauté the onions until softened before adding them to the recipe.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh spinach?

While fresh spinach is recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.

Dried herbs can also be substituted for fresh, but adjust the quantity accordingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.

What is the purpose of the Italian salad dressing mix?

The Italian salad dressing mix adds flavor to the Neufchatel cheese mixture, giving it a zesty kick that complements the other ingredients in the dish.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of Neufchatel cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for Neufchatel cheese.

The texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.