High Protein Spinach Artichoke Chicken
- Bridgette Barlow
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
A healthy and high protein combo of chicken and all the flavors of spinach and artichoke dip.
If you’ve ever thought healthy meals had to be boring, dry, or unsatisfying, this recipe is your reminder that nourishment can feel indulgent and support your body at the same time.
This is what I call intentional fuel.
As we move through our 30s and 40s, our bodies often benefit from meals that support stable blood sugar, lean muscle, digestion, and satiety. Hormonal shifts can make energy dips, cravings, and stubborn weight gain feel more common—which is why what you eat matters more than simply how little you eat.
This meal was designed to do exactly that.
With protein-rich chicken thighs, fiber-packed vegetables, and satisfying healthy fats, this creamy spinach and artichoke chicken helps:
Support lean muscle and metabolism
Keep you fuller longer and reduce snacky cravings
Support steady energy and blood sugar balance
Nourish digestion with prebiotic fiber
Provide key nutrients that support midlife wellness
And the best part? It tastes rich, comforting, and restaurant-worthy.
We’re using chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a reason. Breasts are great too (and can be substituted in this recipe) but thighs are naturally richer in flavor, more tender, and contain a bit more healthy fat—which can help with satiety, blood sugar stability, and satisfaction after meals. Sometimes the most nourishing meal is the one that actually keeps you full and prevents the late-night pantry hunt. Considering the rest of this meal is low in fat, I like the added fat from the chicken.
Then we add spinach, one of the most nutrient-dense greens you can eat. It provides folate, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants that support energy, stress resilience, hydration, and overall metabolic health.
And let’s not forget artichokes—an underrated gut health powerhouse for midlife women. They’re rich in fiber and prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria, support digestion, and help with fullness. They also contain compounds that support liver function, which plays an important role in hormone balance.
Because thriving in midlife isn’t about punishing your body. It’s about fueling it in a way that helps it work for you again.
This is the kind of meal that helps you feel strong, satisfied, and well-fed—while supporting the body composition, energy, and confidence you deserve.
Ingredients:
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1.5 cups (296g) full fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup (113g) fat free plain Greek yogurt
6 tbsp dry grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
12-ounce jar of quartered artichokes
8-ounce bag of fresh spinach
1 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400
In a pan on the stove, wilt or steam the spinach until soft (not mushy) and put into a colander to drain.
Add the artichokes to drain with the spinach. Set aside
In a 13x9 pan, add 1/2 tbsp olive oil and spread over the bottom evenly
Spread chicken thighs in the pan and season with salt and pepper
Bake for about 15 minutes
While chicken is baking, make your spinach and artichoke topping
Make spinach and artichoke topping:
In a blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese, yogurt, parmesan cheese and garlic powder until smooth. Save the shredded mozzarella for the top of the chicken later.
Use your hands to squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the spinach and artichokes and add them to a bowl.
Add the cottage cheese mixture to the spinach and artichokes and mix well.
Taste and season to your liking
Put it all together:
After 15 minutes, take chicken out and top with about 1/2 cup of mixture on each chicken thigh (I know it seems like a lot-- trust me). Spread evenly
Top with the mozzarella cheese
Put back in the oven for another 15 minutes until chicken internal temp of 165
Broil on high for 2-3 minutes to get desired level of browning on the top
Make it a complete meal
Eat with a green salad and rice or potatoes to round out your balanced plate!
ENJOY!
Nutrition: 6 servings
Calories: 309
Protein: 32 g
Carbs: 9.4 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 3 g
PS — Recipes are helpful… but knowing how to build meals that work for your body, hormones, and fat loss goals? That’s where everything changes.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and finally understand exactly what your body needs to lose fat and feel like yourself again…
👉 Book your Midlife Hormone Clarity Session ($247)
This is a personalized, 1:1 strategy session where we map out your metabolism, hormones, and next steps.
Not quite ready for that yet?
I created a free resource called the ✨Metabolism Reset Guide for Women 35+ ✨ where I break down exactly why this is happening…
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