Spinach Chicken Gratin
Creamy spinach and tender chicken breasts are baked with cheese in this flavorful gratin, perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, boned, skinned, halved
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups crushed stuffing mix ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- dash of marjoram ⓘ
- dash of basil ⓘ
- 1/3 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen spinach, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip each chicken breast in beaten eggs, then coat with crushed stuffing mix.
- Saute chicken in a large skillet in butter until it begins to brown.
- Turn chicken once, lower heat, and add white wine; simmer until wine has almost evaporated.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Stir chicken broth, crushed garlic, marjoram, basil, and heavy cream into the skillet to make a sauce.
- Place half of the cooked and drained spinach in the bottom of a buttered 2-quart casserole dish.
- Add the browned chicken on top of the spinach.
- Layer remaining spinach over the chicken.
- Pour the sauce over the top, sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the white wine and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don't have crushed stuffing mix, you can use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs as a substitute. For a healthier version, you can swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Chicken Gratin pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside rice or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting side, try it with Crock-Pot Corn Bread Dressing for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, ensuring the dish remains covered to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Chicken Gratin contains roughly 706 calories, with 28g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (137% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 38g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach, which should be cooked down and drained to remove excess moisture. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your gratin.
What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a mixture of chicken broth and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. This will help maintain the flavor profile without the alcohol.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gratin up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).