Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

This smothered chicken recipe is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy spinach sauce, savory bacon, and sautéed mushrooms. It’s the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines classic comfort food flavors in one dish.
  • Packed with protein, greens, and umami-rich mushrooms.
  • The creamy sauce is indulgent yet easy to make.
  • Great for family meals or dinner parties.
  • Pairs well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken breasts
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Fresh spinach
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Mushrooms, sliced
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add mushrooms and cook until softened.
  5. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  6. Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and stir until combined into a creamy sauce.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Top with cooked bacon.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 30 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Add more veggies: Include cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
  • Use different proteins: Try boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets instead of chicken.
  • Cheese options: Substitute Parmesan with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
  • Low-carb option: Serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of cream to the sauce if it has thickened.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out excess water before using.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the bacon in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving.

3. What sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pair beautifully.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely, boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy during baking.

5. How can I thicken the sauce?

Add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the sauce if needed.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free heavy cream alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese.

7. What type of mushrooms should I use?

Button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms are great choices.

8. Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?

Yes, cover the skillet and simmer on low heat until the chicken is cooked through.

9. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Ensure not to overcook the chicken and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

10. Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the cream for extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Smothered chicken with creamed spinach, bacon, and mushrooms is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With its rich, creamy flavors and flexible variations, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up for a memorable dinner that’s as comforting as it is delicious!

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Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

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This comforting dish features tender chicken breasts smothered with creamy spinach, crispy bacon, and sautéed mushrooms, all topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese. It’s a hearty meal that’s both gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

  • Author: ksuur
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • Chicken:
    • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 small breasts or 2 large breasts halved)
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • Salt, to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
    • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Creamed Spinach:
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 10 ounces fresh spinach
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • ⅔ cup half-and-half
    • ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Additional Toppings:
    • 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
    • 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
    • 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeños)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Butter the bottom of a baking dish (approximately 13×9 inches).
    • Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika.
    • Place the chicken breasts, flat side down, into the prepared baking dish.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Creamed Spinach:
    • While the chicken is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, covered, until wilted.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the minced garlic and half-and-half. Bring to a boil.
    • Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
    • Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
    • In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 1-2 minutes until caramelized. Do not add salt during this step to ensure proper caramelization.
    • Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Assemble the Dish:
    • Remove the partially cooked chicken breasts from the oven.
    • Top each chicken breast with a generous layer of creamed spinach.
    • Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the creamed spinach.
    • Add the sautéed mushrooms on top of the bacon.
    • Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese over each assembled chicken breast.
  5. Bake and Serve:
    • Return the baking dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    • For a golden-brown finish, broil for the last 2-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
    • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Feel free to substitute the Pepper Jack cheese with mozzarella or provolone if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.

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