This one-dish meal combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables in a creamy sauce, making it perfect for those following low-carb or keto eating plans. The combination of protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and earthy mushrooms creates a satisfying meal that won’t derail your dietary goals while delivering substantial flavor and nutrition.
The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible for busy weeknights while the ingredient combination provides a complete meal in a single baking dish. The cream cheese-based sauce eliminates the need for flour-based thickeners, keeping carbohydrates minimal while creating a luxurious texture that brings all the components together.
Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Dish
Complete One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks together, minimizing preparation and cleanup time.
Keto-Friendly Macros – High in protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs very low.
Nutrient-Dense Vegetables – Spinach and mushrooms provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Make-Ahead Convenience – Can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Uses affordable, accessible ingredients available year-round.
Satisfying Without Starches – Proves that low-carb meals can be filling and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 thin-sliced chicken breasts – provides lean protein base
- 1 small bag fresh baby spinach – contributes iron, vitamins, and fiber
- 1 large package sliced mushrooms – adds umami flavor and meaty texture
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese – creates golden, bubbly topping
- 1 container green onion cream cheese – forms the creamy sauce base
- 1/4 cup olive oil – adds healthy fats and helps create smooth sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – provides moisture and savory depth
- Pepper to taste – enhances natural flavors
- Herb and garlic seasoning to taste – adds aromatic complexity
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Dish
Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange thin-sliced chicken breasts in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. The thin slicing ensures even cooking and prevents dry, overcooked areas.
Layer the Vegetables
Top the chicken with an even layer of fresh baby spinach, followed by the sliced mushrooms. The vegetables will release moisture during cooking, which helps keep the chicken tender.
Season the Layers
Sprinkle pepper and herb and garlic seasoning evenly over the vegetable layers. This ensures the seasonings penetrate through all components during baking.
Create the Creamy Sauce
Soften the green onion cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature briefly. In a bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, olive oil, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined. This creates the binding sauce that holds everything together.
Assemble and Begin Baking
Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire dish. Cover loosely with foil, ensuring it doesn’t seal completely to allow some steam to escape.
Execute the Baking Process
Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Finally, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to brown.
Rest Before Serving
Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Thin Chicken Success – Using thin-sliced breasts prevents overcooking and ensures even doneness throughout.
Fresh Spinach Preference – Fresh baby spinach is preferred over frozen to avoid excess moisture.
Cream Cheese Softening – Properly softened cream cheese prevents lumps in the final sauce.
Foil Technique – Loose covering allows steam circulation while preventing excessive browning.
Resting Importance – The cooling period allows flavors to settle and sauce to thicken properly.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish provides substantial protein from chicken while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals. The healthy fats from olive oil and cream cheese support satiety and nutrient absorption. With minimal carbohydrates, it fits well into low-carb, keto, or general healthy eating patterns.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in covered containers. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. The dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This complete meal stands well on its own but pairs nicely with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad. For those not following low-carb diets, it works well over rice or with crusty bread.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats creates a satisfying meal that supports various dietary goals while delivering comfort food satisfaction. The one-dish format makes it practical for busy schedules while the ingredient proportions ensure each component contributes meaningfully to the final result.
This recipe demonstrates that healthy eating doesn’t require complicated preparations or exotic ingredients – sometimes the best results come from combining quality basics with proper technique.
