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Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced macros: Each slice offers 22 g protein, 7 g carbs, and 16 g healthy fat to keep blood sugar steady.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake, cool, wrap, and freeze individual wedges for up to two months.
- One crust, no fuss: A single refrigerated crust lines the pan—no lattice, no blind weights, no stress.
- Versatile dairy: Greek yogurt adds tang and structure; swap for sour cream or dairy-free coconut yogurt.
- Vegetable boost: Ten ounces of spinach wilt into the custard, giving you a full serving of greens per slice.
- Weekend batch: One 9-inch quiche yields six generous slices—enough for a week of lunches.
Ingredients You'll Need
Great quiche starts with great building blocks. Pick a pasture-raised refrigerated pie crust for unbeatable flakiness; if you’re gluten-free, look for a rice-blend version that still contains butter for flavor. The chicken should be pre-cooked and well-seasoned—last night’s grilled thighs, rotisserie breast, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and releases less water than frozen; if you only have frozen, squeeze it bone-dry in a towel. For the custard, I use a 3:1 ratio of eggs to dairy: six large eggs plus half-and-half keeps the texture lush without becoming rubbery after reheating. Greek yogurt adds a gentle tang and extra protein; choose whole-milk for silkiness. Gruyère melts beautifully and brings nutty depth, but sharp cheddar or mozzarella work in a pinch. Finally, a whisper of nutmeg and Dijon elevates the whole affair without screaming “fancy.” Buy blocks of cheese and shred yourself—pre-shredded cellulose can make the custard grainy.
How to Make Chicken and Spinach Quiche for Meal Prep
Preheat and prep the pan
Position rack in lower third of oven; heat to 375 °F (190 °C). Unroll refrigerated crust and gently press into a 9-inch glass pie plate, letting it drape over rim. Fold excess under itself so edge stands slightly proud; crimp by pinching between thumb and forefinger. Prick bottom all over with fork to prevent bubbles.
Sauté aromatics
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in large skillet over medium. Add ½ cup finely diced onion; cook 3 min until translucent. Stir in 1 clove minced garlic for 30 sec, then add 10 oz baby spinach by the handful, tossing until wilted and any liquid evaporates. Season with ¼ tsp salt and pinch pepper; transfer to colander to cool slightly.
Build the custard
In large bowl whisk 6 large eggs until homogenous. Whisk in ½ cup half-and-half, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and tiny pinch ground nutmeg. Whisking constantly prevents yogurt lumps and ensures even seasoning.
Add-ins ready
Blot spinach mixture with paper towel to remove excess moisture, then scatter evenly over crust. Top with 1½ cups diced cooked chicken and 1 cup shredded Gruyère. Keeping solids below rim prevents custard overflow.
Fill and settle
Pour custard slowly over fillings, stopping just below rim. Gently tap pie plate on counter to release air pockets. If you have extra custard, bake it in a greased ramekin for a crustless snack.
Bake low and slow
Slide onto rimmed sheet (catches drips). Bake 35 min until edges puff and center jiggles like set Jell-O. If crust browns too fast, tent with foil. Internal temp should read 185 °F (85 °C) for food-safe custard.
Cool and set
Rest on wire rack 15 min; custard finishes cooking from residual heat. For cleanest slices, cool completely, then refrigerate 2 hr. Use sharp serrated knife dipped in hot water for café-worthy wedges.
Portion for week
Cut into 6 equal slices. Transfer to airtight glass containers lined with parchment squares to prevent sticking. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat 60 sec in microwave on 70 % power or 10 min in 325 °F oven.
Expert Tips
Glass beats metal
Glass pie plates conduct heat gently, giving you a crisp bottom without over-browning edges. If using dark metal, drop oven temp by 25 °F.
Drain greens well
Even a tablespoon of spinach water can create soggy pockets. Press between paper towels or spin in salad spinner after wilting.
Room temp dairy
Cold half-and-half can tighten the custard. Let dairy sit out 20 min while oven preheats for smoother texture.
Slice with dental floss
Unflavored dental floss cuts through custard without tearing, giving you Instagram-worthy layers for photos.
Shield the rim
If crust browns before custard sets, cut 4-inch strip of foil, fold lengthwise, and curve around edge like a collar.
Double batch trick
Make two quiches at once—one to eat, one to freeze. Stack cooled wedges with parchment and vacuum-seal for zero waste.
Variations to Try
-
Mediterranean twist
Swap Gruyère for feta, add ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes and 2 Tbsp chopped olives. -
Crustless keto
Grease pie plate with butter, skip crust, and bake 5 min less for 4 g net carbs per slice. -
Spicy Southwest
Sub pepper jack, add ¼ cup roasted corn and 1 minced chipotle in adobo. -
Vegetarian protein
Omit chicken, fold in 1 cup canned chickpeas rinsed and roughly chopped. -
Mini meal-prep muffins
Pour custard into greased muffin tin lined with crust rounds; bake 18 min at 350 °F.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Cool quiche completely, slice, and store in single-layer airtight containers up to 5 days. Place parchment between slices to prevent sticking.
Freezer: Wrap individual wedges in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge for best texture, though microwave from frozen works in a pinch (add 30 extra seconds).
Reheating: Oven method—cover with foil and warm 12 min at 325 °F. Microwave—wrap in damp paper towel and heat 60-75 sec on 70 % power to avoid rubbery eggs. Air-fry 5 min at 300 °F for crisp crust revival.
Make-ahead crust: Blind-bake and freeze the shell up to 1 month. Add filling and bake from frozen—just add 5 extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken and Spinach Quiche for Meal Prep
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat: Set oven to 375 °F. Press crust into 9-inch pie plate, crimp edge, and prick bottom with fork.
- Sauté: Warm oil in skillet; cook onion 3 min. Add garlic 30 sec, then spinach until wilted. Cool and blot dry.
- Whisk custard: Beat eggs, half-and-half, yogurt, Dijon, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Assemble: Layer spinach, chicken, and cheese in crust. Pour custard to rim.
- Bake: 35 min until center is just set. Rest 15 min before slicing.
- Store: Cool completely, slice into 6 wedges, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Recipe Notes
For ultra-clean cuts, chill quiche overnight and use a heated serrated knife. Reheat wedges in air fryer 5 min at 300 °F for crisp crust revival.