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Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Name: Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless thin chicken thighs; 2 tbsp (30mL) avocado oil, divided; 2 tbsp (30g) minced garlic; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp paprika; ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes; 7 oz cream cheese, softened; 5 cups (~140g) fresh spinach; 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; Freshly-cracked black pepper; Pinch of paprika

Published:12/14/21Updated:12/14/21

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This Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake recipe includes chicken thighs marinated and refrigerated in avocado oil and flavorful Italian spices. Cream cheese and mozzarella give this recipe a smooth, creamy texture, while the spinach adds a beautiful pop of color and nutrients. At only 5.3 grams of net carbs, you’ll have a dinner that will have the whole family drooling for more – and in only 30-minutes!

Overhead shot of the Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake sprinkled with pepper and paprika served in a baking pan.

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.

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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

Overhead shot of labeled ingredients for the Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake on a marble countertop.

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.

Overhead shot of boneless, skinless thin chicken thighs and marinade, mixed together in a freezer bag. Freezer bag is resting on a marble countertop.

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.

Overhead shot of fresh spinach being cooked on a frying pan. The frying pan is resting on a marble countertop.

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

Overhead shot of marinated chicken thighs in a glass baking pan. The baking pan is resting on a marble countertop.

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

Overhead shot of marinated chicken thighs with softened cream cheese spread atop in a glass baking pan. The baking pan is resting on a marble countertop.

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

Overhead shot of marinated chicken thighs with softened cream cheese and cooked spinach spread atop in a glass baking pan. The baking pan is resting on a marble countertop.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.

Overhead shot of marinated chicken thighs with softened cream cheese, cooked spinach and mozzarella spread and sprinkled atop in a glass baking pan. The baking pan is resting on a marble countertop.

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.

Close-up shot of the Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake sprinkled with pepper and paprika, scooped by a spoon with the melted cheese stringing under.

Net carbs per serving of this keto chicken thigh spinach casserole

Per serving, this keto recipe for creamy spinach and chicken bake contains 5.3 grams of net carbs. The recipe, as written, yields 4 servings. Net carbs are calculated by taking total carbs, subtracting fiber, and subtracting sugar alcohols.

The full nutrition information for this recipe, including the calorie content, total carbs, protein, and fat per serving, can be found in the nutrition label located below the recipe instructions.

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!

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