There are few things more comforting than a hot, creamy, oven-baked chicken dish—especially when it’s bursting with rich flavor and made in just one skillet. Our Smothered Baked Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is everything you want in a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal: it’s savory, creamy, packed with protein and nutrients, and downright indulgent without being fussy.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a small dinner party, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-style meal at home, this dish delivers bold, satisfying flavor in every bite. From the juicy seared chicken to the velvety sauce layered with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe hits all the high notes of comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked chicken recipe is perfect for:
Busy home cooks who want a quick, hearty dinner made mostly in one pan.
Spinach lovers who want a creative way to use fresh greens.
Low-carb eaters or those on a keto diet looking for a creamy, protein-rich entrée.
Anyone craving a satisfying, elegant meal without needing fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills.
Creamy, herb-infused sauce? Check. Golden pan-seared chicken? Absolutely. Easy cleanup? Yes, thanks to the one-skillet method. This recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this dish:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 cups fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Equipment
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best)
Tongs or spatula for flipping chicken
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons and cups
Meat thermometer (optional, but ideal for checking doneness)
Oven mitts
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to finish off the dish after the stovetop steps.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. They don’t need to be cooked through yet. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Add Spinach and Seasonings
Toss in the spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Add dried basil, thyme, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth, thickened, and creamy.
5. Smother and Bake
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach mixture over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and serve each chicken breast topped generously with the creamy spinach sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.
Pro Tips for Success
Even cooking: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can pound them to an even thickness before searing for more uniform cooking.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Use the oil-packed kind for extra flavor. Just be sure to drain off excess oil before chopping.
Make it extra cheesy: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for an even more decadent sauce.
Add a kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Variations and Recipe Swaps
Swap the protein: Try boneless thighs, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version (with vegetable broth).
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
Low-fat option: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat Parmesan.
What to Serve with Smothered Baked Chicken
This dish is rich and creamy, so pair it with lighter, fresh sides like:
Garlic mashed cauliflower or roasted vegetables for a low-carb option
Buttery mashed potatoes or orzo pasta to soak up the sauce
Crusty bread to mop every drop from your plate
Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Light salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? This dish stores beautifully.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between bursts.
Freeze: While the texture of the sauce may change slightly, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely. Thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the sauce.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Transfer everything to a baking dish after preparing the sauce and chicken on the stovetop.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. If you go this route, consider adding a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch slurry to help thicken it.
Final Thoughts
Smothered Baked Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is one of those recipes that becomes an instant favorite. It’s cozy, elegant, and loaded with flavor. The creamy spinach, tender chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes come together in a way that feels like pure comfort on a plate—without needing hours in the kitchen.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family! And if you love easy, elegant dinners that taste like they came from your favorite bistro, be sure to subscribe to the blog for more recipes just like this. Happy cooking!