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Healthy Creamy Italian Chicken Bake - Simple, Cozy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds, 4 medium)
  • Plain 2% Greek yogurt (1 cup)
  • Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup)
  • Milk or unsweetened almond milk (1/4 cup)
  • Grated parmesan cheese (1/3 cup)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (1/3 cup)
  • Fresh baby spinach (2 packed cups)
  • Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced)
  • Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, 1/4 teaspoon)
  • Fresh lemon (1, for zest and juice)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for serving)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Sprinkle both sides with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Place them in the baking dish.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, chicken broth, milk, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic, crushed red pepper (if using), and the zest of half the lemon. Stir in parmesan until smooth.
  4. Add veggies and tomatoes: Fold chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach into the sauce. The spinach will look like a lot but wilts in the oven.
  5. Assemble: Pour the sauce around and over the chicken, coating evenly. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil for a glossy finish.
  6. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  7. Finish with lemon: Squeeze 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice over the bake. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Rest and serve: Let rest 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley. Serve with whole-grain pasta, cauliflower rice, or roasted vegetables.