Smothered Baked Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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Golden, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a velvety blanket of creamed spinach and sun-dried tomatoes—this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level. As it bakes, the rich cream sauce thickens and hugs every bite of tender chicken, infusing it with flavor and indulgence. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special without making you spend hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish is one of those satisfying meals that looks impressive but comes together surprisingly fast. The sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes balances beautifully with the savory spinach and creamy base. And let’s not forget the melted cheese on top that gives it the perfect gooey finish.

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Baked Chicken

This recipe has that balance of being both hearty and elegant. It’s packed with protein, loaded with vegetables, and layered with flavor in every spoonful. Plus, it’s all baked in one dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving guests, this one delivers every time.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts keep things lean and slice easily, chicken thighs add a deeper richness due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. Bone-in thighs may take a bit longer to bake, but they hold up beautifully to the creamy spinach sauce.

Ingredients for the Smothered Baked Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A good recipe starts with quality ingredients, and this one is no exception. You’ll need a few everyday staples and a handful of flavor-boosters to bring everything together. Each ingredient plays a role in delivering creaminess, savoriness, and a hint of tang.

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper

How To Make the Smothered Baked Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through here, just give them a flavorful crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamed Spinach Base

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Toss in fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, then add grated Parmesan until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Smother the Chicken

Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish and spoon the creamed spinach and tomato mixture evenly over each one. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake at 375°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let it rest a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

How to Serve and Store This Smothered Baked Chicken

This recipe feeds about four people generously, making it a great pick for families or small gatherings. Serve it directly from the baking dish while it’s hot and bubbly. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that deliciousness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through. The sauce may thicken a bit, so you can stir in a splash of milk or cream if needed.

What to Serve With Smothered Baked Chicken?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural match with this dish. Their soft, fluffy texture holds the rich sauce beautifully.

Garlic Butter Rice

Simple and fragrant, garlic butter rice balances the savory sauce with a subtle bite of flavor.

Steamed Green Beans

Add freshness and crunch with tender green beans dressed with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil.

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these potatoes hold up well to the creamy sauce.

Buttery Egg Noodles

If you’re leaning comfort food all the way, serve this over buttery egg noodles for a hearty feel.

Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

A crisp salad with tangy balsamic vinaigrette can lighten up the richness of the dish.

Garlic Bread

Nothing beats warm garlic bread for mopping up every last drop of the cream sauce.

Creamy Polenta

Soft, cheesy polenta adds an extra layer of comfort that makes this meal feel like a hug on a plate.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this creamy, savory chicken dish made your taste buds dance, here are more dinner recipes you’ll want to try next:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta brings the same cozy, creamy comfort with a beefy twist.
• Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken is tangy, sweet, and perfect for busy weeknights.
• Cheesy Chicken Fritters are ideal when you want bite-sized, pan-fried deliciousness.
• Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is another one-dish wonder that bakes up golden and satisfying.
• Chicken Parmesan brings classic Italian flair to your dinner table with gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or change up the cheese? Maybe you served it over pasta instead of rice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make every meal a favorite.

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