This 2-Ingredient Chicken Dinner Is My Go-To Meal

Living in a college town, I can't help but think back to my university days every August when new students flood in. During my first two years, dining halls and ready-made meals were my go-to. Cooking seemed like a distant thought. But after leaving the dorms, I faced what many new grads do: learning how to cook for myself.

I was initially confident in my abilities, but once I started making my own meals, that confidence quickly vanished. From food sticking to pans, to disastrous meals, and even setting off the fire alarm in my entire building while cooking a frozen pizza (which led to an awkward chat with a firefighter), it was clear I didn’t really know what I was doing.

Over time, though, I figured it out. And while I now have the skills to prepare more complex dishes, I still appreciate the simple college recipes that helped me survive those early cooking days. Chicken Caesar wraps and other 2-ingredient meals are perfect for beginners but are also great for experienced cooks looking for quick, satisfying dishes.

One key lesson I learned is that those creamy, cheesy dips we all love are far more versatile than we realize. They can be used in all sorts of creative ways to elevate meals.

How to Prepare a 2-Ingredient Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake

Just because dip is usually served as an appetizer doesn't mean it can't shine in main dishes. We've already discovered how delicious it can be as a pasta sauce, but it also works wonders as a juicy, flavorful topping for chicken. If you love dishes like smothered chicken or stuffed chicken breasts, this simple 2-ingredient recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Chicken breast: Thinly-sliced chicken breast pieces are the best choice for this recipe due to their fast cooking time. These typically weigh around 4 ounces each. If you only have regular chicken breast pieces, simply follow our guide to making chicken cutlets before you get started.  
• Store-bought dip: Thick, creamy dips such as those that are cream cheese-based work the best for this. Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic combo but stores are always expanding and have options such as Enchilada Dip, Jalapeno Artichoke Dip, and Pizza Dip. Feel free to try your favorites and experiment with new flavors.

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe

Ingredients List

• 2 pieces thinly-sliced chicken breast
• 4 tablespoons spinach artichoke dip
• Salt and pepper, for seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. For one or two cutlets, an 8-inch square dish works perfectly. For a larger family portion, use a 9x13-inch dish. Season with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices as desired.
3. Spread about 2 tablespoons of dip (add more for extra sauce) evenly over each piece of chicken. Then, bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The dip should be lightly browned and bubbling when it’s done.

Ideas for Customizing Your Chicken Bake

• Add your favorite seasoning: Besides salt and pepper, you can add a generous sprinkle of smoky Cajun seasoning or a packet of zesty dry ranch. Blends can amplify the flavor without the hassle of rummaging through your whole spice cabinet.
• Start with a sear: Got extra time? Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a hot skillet. Give your seasoned chicken a quick sear on each side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden to lock in flavor before adding it to the baking dish and topping with the dip.
• Make it extra cheesy: Spread shredded cheese across the top of your dish before baking. Be sure to choose a cheese that goes well with your dip’s flavor.
• Revive leftovers: Cut down on guesswork by using cooked leftover chicken. Grilled chicken cutlets, cubed, or shredded chicken can be used in place of raw chicken breast. Simply reduce the cooking time to 12 to 15 minutes.