You might wonder if combining two beloved dishes – spinach artichoke dip and baked chicken – could actually work as a keto-friendly meal. When you’re craving the warmth of a casserole but need to stick to your low-carb lifestyle, this Mediterranean-inspired creation offers a practical solution. The marriage of cream cheese, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables transforms an appetizer favorite into a satisfying main course that won’t derail your dietary goals.
Savory Mediterranean-Inspired Casserole Origins
While Mediterranean cuisine has long celebrated the pairing of leafy greens and artichokes, this keto-friendly chicken bake puts a modern spin on those time-honored flavors.
You’ll find the dish’s roots in traditional Greek spanakopita and Italian spinach-stuffed chicken, but without the carb-heavy phyllo dough and breadcrumbs.
The combination of spinach and artichokes gained widespread popularity in American cuisine through the famous hot dip of the same name.
This casserole cleverly transforms those beloved appetizer ingredients into a complete meal by adding protein-rich chicken and a creamy, cheese-based sauce that’s perfectly suited for ketogenic diets.
You’re essentially getting the best of both worlds – classic Mediterranean ingredients reimagined in a low-carb, high-fat format that satisfies modern dietary preferences.
Recipe
The classic combination of spinach and artichoke dip transforms into a hearty, low-carb main dish with the addition of tender chicken breast. This keto-friendly casserole delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness while keeping the carbohydrates in check, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
This one-pan meal combines succulent chicken with a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, complemented by the earthy flavors of spinach and artichokes. The dish creates a satisfying meal that can be prepared ahead and reheated, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, mayonnaise, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix in the drained spinach, chopped artichokes, and half of both kinds of cheese.
Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, then top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
For best results, squeeze excess moisture from both the spinach and artichokes thoroughly before combining with other ingredients.
Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a tangier flavor and additional protein. Those seeking a lighter version can use reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella, though this will slightly increase the carb content.
The dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
Since mastering this keto-friendly dish requires minimal effort, you’ll find it becomes a reliable staple in your low-carb recipe collection.
The combination of tender chicken, creamy spinach, and tangy artichokes creates a satisfying meal that’ll keep you within your daily carb limits while delivering rich flavors and essential nutrients.
You can easily customize this recipe by adjusting the seasonings or swapping ingredients based on what’s available in your kitchen.
Make a larger batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week, as this dish reheats beautifully.
If you’re hosting guests who aren’t following a keto diet, they’ll still appreciate this comforting, restaurant-quality meal.
Consider serving it with a side salad or roasted vegetables to complete your dinner.
