Spinach Lemon Chicken Bake Recipe

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Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 (5-ounce) packages baby spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• Lemon slices for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Place a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and set on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle the chicken with flour, shaking off the excess flour.
4. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and brown them for about 3 minutes on each side. The chicken may not be fully cooked at this point. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, and crushed red pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take about 2 minutes.
7. Add the spinach in batches, stirring continuously until the spinach wilts (about 1 minute per batch).
8. Stir in 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to simmer until it reaches the desired consistency (about 5 minutes).
9. Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165F or 74C) and the sauce is bubbling.
11. Serve the chicken garnished with fresh lemon slices.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	541	-
Total Fat	27g	35%
Saturated Fat	11g	57%
Cholesterol	189mg	63%
Sodium	788mg	34%
Total Carbohydrate	12g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Total Sugars	2g	-
Protein	61g	121%
Vitamin C	25mg	28%
Calcium	237mg	18%
Iron	4mg	24%
Potassium	979mg	21%

The Story Behind Spinach Lemon Chicken Bake

The Spinach Lemon Chicken Bake is a modern take on classic baked chicken recipes, combining the bright acidity of lemon with the earthy taste of fresh spinach. Though its exact origins are difficult to trace, this dish reflects a broader trend in American home cooking that emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients paired with simple techniques. By using a skillet-to-oven method, it balances stovetop searing with gentle oven baking, ensuring the chicken remains tender while the flavors meld beautifully.

Regional Characteristics

While chicken bakes are popular across the United States, this particular recipe shows strong influences from Mediterranean-inspired American cuisine. The use of lemon, rosemary, and garlic is reminiscent of Southern European flavors, while the rich cream and Parmesan integrate Italian-American comfort food traditions. It is often prepared in regions where fresh greens and herbs are readily available, making it a versatile and health-conscious choice for weeknight dinners.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Spinach Lemon Chicken Bake distinguishes itself from other baked chicken dishes in several ways. Unlike traditional creamy chicken bakes that rely heavily on cheese or heavy sauces, this recipe balances creaminess with freshness through lemon juice and zest. Additionally, the integration of sauted spinach before baking adds a layer of texture and a subtle, slightly bitter flavor that complements the richness of the sauce. This contrasts with dishes like Chicken Alfredo Bake, which focus primarily on pasta and cheese rather than incorporating vegetables in the cooking process.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is popular in home kitchens as a wholesome weeknight dinner but is also served in casual American bistros and family-style restaurants. It pairs well with a side of roasted potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the lemony cream sauce. The elegant presentation with lemon slices and a vibrant bed of spinach also makes it suitable for small dinner parties or holiday meals, where a visually appealing yet approachable main course is desired.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of lemon and chicken is historically rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, where citrus was often used to tenderize meat and enhance flavor.
• Spinach is an excellent source of iron and vitamins A and C, adding nutritional value to the dish without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Using a skillet to sear the chicken before baking not only develops a richer flavor but also helps lock in moisture, preventing the meat from drying out.
• Though Parmesan is commonly associated with Italian cooking, its use in this American-style bake demonstrates the blending of culinary traditions to create accessible yet sophisticated flavors.
• The recipes quick cooking timetypically under an hourmakes it a favorite among home cooks seeking healthy meals without lengthy preparation.

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