Are you tired of boring, bland chicken dinners that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal routine with this mouthwatering Mexican Spinach Chicken Bake that combines zesty salsa, nutrient-packed spinach, and perfectly seasoned chicken in one irresistible dish. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds – and the best part? It's incredibly easy to make!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Mexican Spinach Chicken Bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Rinse the spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Once clean, chop the spinach into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, salsa, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the spinach is evenly coated with the salsa and spices.
- In a large, oven-safe baking dish, place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Season them with a little salt and pepper on both sides for added flavor.
- Spread the spinach and salsa mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them completely.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the spinach and salsa mixture, ensuring that it covers the dish well.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
- Serve the Mexican Spinach Chicken Bake warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients: The key to an amazing dish is using fresh spinach and a flavorful salsa.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent excess moisture.
- Don't skip the foil cover during the first 20 minutes of baking – this keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- For extra flavor, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of regular shredded cheese for a spicier kick.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing moist and tender chicken.
- Experiment with toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to personalize your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 243kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 115mg
