Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese: Easy Weeknight Favorite

Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese is that comfort meal you didn’t know your weeknight dinners were missing. Creamy, cheesy, and full of protein, it’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell heavenly without leaving you with a mountain of dishes.

The cottage cheese adds a deliciously creamy texture while sneaking in extra protein—so yes, it’s indulgent but still fits your health goals. If you love creamy chicken dinners like my Easy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken, this one’s about to become your new favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just meal-prepping for yourself, Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese will have you feeling like you just pulled off a restaurant-worthy dinner in under an hour.

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What is Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese?

Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese is basically what would happen if your favorite spinach artichoke dip got together with tender, juicy chicken and decided to make dinner magic. It’s a creamy, savory bake packed with wholesome protein and healthy greens. The chicken provides a hearty base, while the spinach and artichokes add freshness and a subtle tang.

Cottage cheese takes the place of heavier cream-based sauces, giving you a lighter yet equally satisfying finish. This dish hits that perfect balance between comfort food and clean eating. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and easy enough for a busy weeknight yet fancy enough for a dinner date at home.

Reasons to Try Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese

First off, this recipe is fast—like, real-life fast. You’ll spend less than 20 minutes prepping, and the oven does the rest. That means more time to handle the chaos of life (or binge-watch something guilt-free). Second, it’s high in protein—over 120 grams in the whole recipe—so it keeps you full without feeling heavy.

Third, cottage cheese brings a creamy richness without all the calories of cream or mayo. And finally, it’s the perfect middle ground between indulgent and wholesome. You can serve it at a dinner party or pack it for lunch, and it reheats beautifully. It’s also a great way to sneak in greens if your kids or partner side-eye spinach like it’s some kind of punishment. For another comforting chicken idea, check out my Creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.

Ingredients Needed to Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
½ cup artichoke hearts (canned or jarred, drained and chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup full-fat cottage cheese (for a creamier texture)
¼ cup fresh spinach (finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)

Instructions to Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step might seem basic, but getting your oven nice and hot ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and that all those creamy, cheesy flavors blend perfectly. While the oven warms up, take your chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. This makes for faster cooking and guarantees every piece gets coated in the creamy mixture. Place the cut chicken into a mixing bowl and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Don’t skip the seasoning—chicken loves a little salt!

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Here’s where the flavor magic happens. To your bowl of chicken, add ½ cup of cottage cheese, ¼ cup of chopped spinach, ½ cup of chopped artichoke hearts, 2 minced garlic cloves, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan. Then, mix it all together until everything is fully coated and evenly distributed. The cottage cheese will act as a creamy binder, wrapping every bite in cheesy goodness while keeping things light. The spinach adds color and a touch of freshness, while the artichokes give that tangy flavor you love from spinach artichoke dip.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Drizzle ¼ cup of olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking pan and tilt it slightly to coat the bottom evenly. The olive oil keeps your chicken mixture from sticking and adds a subtle richness to the final dish. Now, spoon your chicken mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly so every piece has its space to cook. It’s okay if it looks a bit rustic—this is homestyle cooking at its best.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken Mixture

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes. The cottage cheese will melt beautifully, forming a creamy sauce that mingles with the Parmesan and olive oil. Midway through, give it a gentle stir to make sure the top doesn’t dry out and that all the pieces cook evenly. When the chicken is cooked through and golden on top, it’s ready to come out. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells incredible and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Carefully remove your baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes—this helps the sauce thicken slightly. Spoon generous servings onto plates, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of extra spinach or Parmesan. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for that restaurant-style finish. Serve it hot and get ready for everyone at the table to ask, “Wait, what’s in this?” It’s that good.

What to Serve with Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even a serving of whole-grain rice or quinoa. If you want to keep things low-carb, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or zucchini noodles. For a comfort food vibe, some warm crusty bread works great to scoop up that creamy sauce. Looking for another cozy meal idea? My Easy Mediterranean Chicken Bowls also balance flavor and nutrition beautifully.

Key Tips for Making Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese

Use full-fat cottage cheese—it makes a difference in creaminess. Chop your spinach finely so it blends seamlessly into the mixture. Don’t overbake the chicken; dry chicken is no one’s friend. And if you want to level it up, try adding a handful of shredded mozzarella or a few red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Prep ahead by mixing everything in the morning and baking when you’re ready for dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, cover and microwave for about 1–2 minutes, or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. The sauce thickens a bit in the fridge, so adding a splash of milk or broth when reheating keeps it creamy. This recipe also freezes surprisingly well—just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach? Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out the excess water.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese? You can swap it for ricotta or Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
Is it meal prep-friendly? Yes! It stores great and tastes even better the next day.
Can I make it dairy-free? Try dairy-free cottage cheese and vegan Parmesan alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Spinach Artichoke Chicken with Cottage Cheese is a quick, high-protein, and satisfying dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s simple, affordable, and fits easily into a balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re feeding your family or just yourself, this dish delivers every time. For more easy high-protein dinners, you might love my High Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Happy cooking—and remember, nourishing well can taste incredible.

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