Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Keto creamy chicken thighs and spinach casserole bake

Whether you’re following a diet like keto, simply trying to cut back on carbs, or just need a 30-minute dinner recipe, this recipe is for you!

This creamy chicken thighs and spinach casserole bake is made with fresh spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella baked in the oven until brown and bubbly. At only 5.3g net carbs per serving, it’s perfect for your next dinner!

With this recipe, you get all of the delicious creamy flavors without a high carb intake, while still feeling satisfied after eating it.

Why you’ll love this low carb creamy spinach chicken bake recipe

• This keto-friendly casserole is ready in just 30 minutes!
• Simple ingredients you probably already have at home make it perfect for those nights when you just can’t figure out what to cook!
• Cozy comfort meal even the kids will love. You can throw on some egg noodles for them and zoodles for you!

Equipment needed to make this keto chicken and spinach casserole

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Skillet
• Tongs
• Knife
• Serving dish
• Serving spoon

Ingredients for your creamy chicken thighs and spinach bake

How to make a low carb creamy chicken spinach bake

To a freezer bag, add chicken, 1 tbsp (15mL) avocado oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Seal bag and, using hands, shake and massage mixture into chicken until marinade ingredients are well-combined. Transfer bag to refrigerator to marinate.

Place oven rack in middle of oven, preheat oven to 450 degrees, and coat 9-inch x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. While oven preheats, in a pan over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tbsp (15mL) avocado oil. Add spinach and allow to wilt and for excess liquid to cook off. Set aside.

Unseal bag of marinating chicken and, using tongs, transfer marinated chicken thighs to prepared baking pan.

Using a knife, spread softened cream cheese atop chicken pieces.

And then, using tongs, lay spinach atop cream cheese.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.

Transfer pan to oven to bake until chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees, about 20-22 minutes.

Remove pan from oven, sprinkle with pepper and paprika, and serve.

Ingredient substitutions for this low carb creamy chicken casserole

• Avocado Oil: You can substitute olive oil at a 1:1 ratio for avocado oil.
• Minced Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic. I would suggest using 1 tsp garlic powder to substitute for the 2 tbsp of minced garlic that the original recipe calls for.
• Cream Cheese: You can use vegan cream cheese or, if you consume nuts, almond milk cream cheese at a 1:1 ratio should work.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or white cheddar cheese can be used in place of mozzarella.

Keep in mind any changes you make to this recipe will modify the total net carbs.

What to serve/pair with your chicken cream cheese spinach casserole recipe

Serve with a colorful side salad or over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or this Buttery Roasted Cauliflower.

For a sweet after-dinner treat, try these drool-worthy Low-Carb Copycat Butterfinger Bites!

Low carb creamy chicken spinach bake FAQs

I only have frozen spinach. Will that work?

Yes! Thaw frozen spinach on the stovetop or in warm water, then drain before using. Gently squeeze out any excess water before adding it to your casserole.

Can I store leftover chicken spinach casserole?

Yes, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, pop in the microwave until heated throughout, about 1-2 minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave, or in the oven and 350 degrees for 15-25 minutes.

Can something similar be made without chicken thighs?

Yes. Chicken breast, tenderloins, or turkey breast make great chicken thigh alternatives. Chicken thighs are fattier and tend to have more flavor.

How do I get the cheese to brown on top?

If your chicken casserole is looking a little light on the cooler, you can turn your broiler on for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll want to watch the casserole closely; browning happens fast, and burning can occur even faster!

More 30-minute low-carb recipes

We love quick and easy low-carb recipes around here! Check out these 30-minute keto recipes next:

• Creamy Mayo Sour Cream Dill Cucumber Salad
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce Chicken Thighs
• Keto Chicken Cheese Fajita Bake
• Egg Salad Cucumber Boats – Spicy