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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.

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
    • â…” cup half-and-half
    • â…” 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.

Find it online: https://recipe.newsvks.com/smothered-chicken-with-creamed-spinach-bacon-and-mushrooms/