I live in a college town and every August, when the new students arrive in droves, I can’t help but reflect on my own time at the University. When it came to food, my first two years were filled with dining halls offering and just about any premade meal I could find. Cooking was completely off the radar. But once I left the dorms, I was faced with the same situation as many fellow new grads: learning to cook.

I felt fairly confident in my skills, but once faced with making my own meals, that confidence crumbled pretty quickly. From food sticking to pans, inedible entrees, and even setting off my entire apartment building’s fire alarm with a frozen pizza (which led to a mortifying conversation with a firefighter), it was clear that I didn’t really know what I was doing. 

Thankfully, over the years, I figured it out. But even though I have the skills to make more elaborate dishes these days, I think it’s important to revisit those super easy college recipes that got us through our early cooking days. Chicken Caesar Wraps and other 2-ingredient dinners are perfect for beginners, but can also be appreciated by seasoned cooks as quick, yet satisfying meals. 

One of the tricks I learned along the way was that the cream cheese-based dips we all love so much are way more versatile than you might realize.

How to Make 2-Ingredient Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake

Just because dip is typically an appetizer doesn’t mean you can’t use it in main dishes. We already know it makes a delicious pasta sauce. Turns out, it can also make a flavorful and juicy chicken bake, too. And if you like smothered chicken and stuffed chicken breast, this 2-ingredient recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
2. Place your desired amount of chicken breast into a greased baking dish. For one or two cutlets, an 8-inch square dishes work great. For a family-sized serving, you’ll want to upgrade to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Feel free to add salt, pepper, or additional seasoning to your liking.
3. Spread 2 tablespoons of dip (more if you like extra sauce) on top of each piece of chicken, covering as evenly as possible. Place into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). The dip should be lightly browned and bubbling when done.

Tips 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.