Description
Craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’ll warm you up from the inside out? Look no further than our irresistible Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms. This dish is a true symphony of textures and tastes – tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, nestled atop a bed of garlicky, cheesy spinach and crowned with crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 10 ounce fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2/3 cup half-and-half
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 ounce sliced mushrooms
- 4 slices cooked and chopped bacon
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with the butter.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika. Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish, flat side down. Bake for 15–20 minutes.
3. While the chicken is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach, cover, and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Add the minced garlic and half-and-half, bringing the mixture to a boil. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt to taste.
4. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 1–2 minutes until they’re golden brown.
5. Remove the partially-baked chicken from the oven. Top each piece with the creamed spinach, followed by the sautéed mushrooms, chopped bacon, and a slice of Pepper Jack cheese.
6. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. For an extra golden-brown finish, you can optionally broil the dish for 2–4 minutes.
Notes
To ensure your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach turns out absolutely delicious, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Don’t overcook the chicken. Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Feel free to add more or less lemon pepper, paprika, or salt to suit your preferences.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh spinach and mushrooms will add more flavor and texture than frozen alternatives.
Pair the dish with complementary sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad make excellent accompaniments.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg