Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
This rich and creamy chicken dish is packed with flavors from crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a velvety cream sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a complete dish!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1.5 lb chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
1 tablespoon butter
¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Creamed Spinach & Mushroom Sauce:
4 slices bacon (chopped)
1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare & Cook the Chicken
1. Season the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
3. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon & Mushrooms
5. In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain.
6. In the remaining bacon grease, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
7. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce
8. Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
9. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, then mix in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
10. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
11. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top.
12. Sprinkle the crispy bacon bits on top.
13. Let everything cook together for 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy smothered chicken with:
✔ Mashed potatoes – to soak up all the delicious sauce!
✔ Pasta – fettuccine or penne pairs well.
✔ Rice or quinoa – for a gluten-free option.
✔ Steamed or roasted vegetables – like asparagus or green beans.
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Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to keep the sauce creamy.
Freezing: The sauce may separate slightly when frozen, but you can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Tips & Variations
⭐ Add extra veggies – Bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes add more depth of flavor.
⭐ Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
⭐ Use a different protein – Try shrimp, salmon, or pork chops instead of chicken.
⭐ Lighter version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap bacon for turkey bacon.
This dish is creamy, savory, and packed wit
h flavor, making it a must-try recipe for any home cook. Enjoy your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms!
