Mediterranean Style Baked Chicken

As we enter the holiday season there will be LOTS of cooking and baking going on in houses everywhere.  When you have spent the entire day in the kitchen cooking and baking for special gatherings, you need something for dinner that is quick but still satisfying.  This recipe is just what you are looking for.  Just a few prep steps, then it bakes in the oven while you relax and put your feet up for a bit.  Best of all, you probably have all the ingredients already!  But be forewarned – this dish is so creamy and delicious, you will want the ingredients on hand at all times – your family is going to love this one!

Mediterranean Style Baked Chicken

Skinless, Boneless Chicken meat (whatever cut your family prefers)

3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 – 8 oz. package cream cheese

1/2 c chicken stock

1 package salad dressing mix (I have used Zesty Italian and Ranch and we liked both)

1 – 5 0z. package fresh baby spinach leaves

1 can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, drained

1/2 med. onion, chopped

1 1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese

a slice of bacon for each serving of chicken, fried

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Pour a few tablespoons of olive oil in the bottom of an oven safe baking dish and arrange the chicken in the dish.

In a medium size glass bowl, place the cream cheese and microwave for a few seconds to warm it.  Add the chicken stock, salad dressing mix and whisk until smooth.  Add the onion, garlic, spinach, and tomatoes and stir to coat all the ingredients.  Spoon this mixture over the chicken and place in the oven.  Bake for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees at the thickest part.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.  Return to the oven for an additional 7 – 10 minutes or until the cheese is brown and bubbly.  Remove from the oven and transfer to plates.  Top with the crumbled bacon and serve.  Be sure to serve the chicken with additional sauce.