1canartichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
1cupcream cheese, softened to room temperature
12 tablespoonssour cream
1cupshredded mozzarella cheese
12 tablespoonsfreshly grated Parmesan cheese
3clovesgarlic, minced
1teaspoononion powder
1teaspoongarlic powder
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
to tastesea salt and cracked black pepper
for garnishfresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for the chicken.
In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
Incorporate the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts into the skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients come together into a smooth and creamy batter.
Gently fold in the sautéed spinach and artichokes into the cheese mixture. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to your liking, blending the flavors seamlessly.
Take the chicken breasts and season both sides with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are positioned close together but not overlapping.
Generously spoon the creamy spinach artichoke mixture over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly to cover the chicken thoroughly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, which will help to lock in moisture, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
After the initial baking period, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through completely while the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy chicken. Just before plating, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color.
Notes
Serve over mashed potatoes or with garlic bread for a complete meal.