Savory Smothered Chicken With Creamed Spinach Bacon And Mushrooms Recipe

Craving a hearty smothered chicken with creamed spinach that delivers pure comfort on a plate?

Layers of rich, savory flavors promise a meal that transcends ordinary weeknight dinners.

Crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms dance alongside tender chicken breasts in this indulgent recipe.

Creamy spinach adds a luxurious green backdrop to the protein-packed main course.

Skillet magic happens when these ingredients meld together, creating a dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

Southern-style cooking meets gourmet techniques in this crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

We promise this recipe will become a new favorite in your culinary rotation.

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon and Mushrooms That Satisfies

• Tackle Complex Flavors: Dive into a gourmet-style dish that combines rich, layered tastes of creamy spinach, crispy bacon, and caramelized mushrooms for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different cheeses or add extra toppings to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for various dietary needs and taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impress family and friends with a visually stunning chicken dish that looks professionally prepared but requires minimal cooking skills to execute perfectly.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using simple cookware and creating a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and delicious toppings in a single baking dish.

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon and Mushrooms

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein that serves as the base of this hearty dish.

• Salt, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Paprika: Spices that enhance the chicken's flavor and create a savory coating.

• Half-and-Half: Creamy liquid that adds richness to the spinach sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a smooth, tangy flavor and creamy texture.

• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that creates a nutritious and flavorful creamy side.
• Mushrooms: Earthy fungus that adds depth and caramelized flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and pungent taste.

• Bacon: Crispy and salty protein that adds a smoky flavor and crunchy texture.

• Vegetable Oil, Butter: Fats used for greasing the baking dish and cooking vegetables.

How to Make Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon and Mushrooms

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for some serious chicken magic.

Step 2: Prepare The Baking Dish

Generously coat the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish with butter, creating a non-stick surface for your chicken.

Step 3: Season The Chicken

• Salt
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Paprika

Ensure both sides get a loving coating of these flavor-packed seasonings.

Step 4: Position The Chicken

Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts flat side down in the buttered baking dish.

Step 5: Initial Bake

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until partially cooked.

Step 6: Create Creamy Spinach

In a large skillet, sauté the spinach until it starts to wilt and soften.

• Minced garlic
• Half-and-half

Bring the mixture to a bubbling boil.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella, stirring vigorously on high heat until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.

Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

Step 8: Caramelize Mushrooms

In a separate skillet, heat oil and add sliced mushrooms.

Cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color, avoiding salt to help with caramelization.

Step 9: Build The Chicken Masterpiece

• Creamy spinach
• Chopped cooked bacon
• Caramelized mushrooms
• Pepper Jack cheese slice

Step 10: Final Bake

Return the dressed chicken to the oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 11: Optional Cheese Browning

For an extra touch of deliciousness, broil for 2-4 minutes to create a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Tips to Nail Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon and Mushrooms

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and promote crispy exterior.
• Use fresh mushrooms and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve perfect caramelization without steaming.
• Shred mozzarella cheese yourself for smoother melting compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes after baking to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Variations on Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon and Mushrooms

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace chicken breasts with thick cauliflower steaks, seasoned identically and baked with same toppings for a vegetarian alternative.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and replace mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh rosemary and thyme to chicken seasoning, swap Pepper Jack for feta cheese, and incorporate sun-dried tomatoes with the mushrooms for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Include chipotle powder in chicken seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, add roasted green chiles alongside bacon, and sprinkle crushed jalapeños for extra heat.

Pairing Suggestions for Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon and Mushrooms

• Choose a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy textures of the smothered chicken, cutting through the heaviness with bright, acidic notes.
• Select a robust amber ale or medium-bodied brown ale that echoes the smoky bacon flavors while standing up to the hearty cheese and mushroom components.
• Mix a refreshing gin and tonic with a rosemary sprig, providing a light, botanical contrast to the dense, savory chicken dish and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Serve sweet tea or a light apple cider to balance the dish's richness, offering a smooth, slightly sweet counterpoint to the salty and creamy elements.

Storage Advice for Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon and Mushrooms

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen smothered chicken stays good for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the creamed spinach unique?

The creamy texture comes from combining half-and-half, mozzarella cheese, and fresh spinach, creating a rich and smooth side dish that perfectly complements the chicken.

• How do I ensure the mushrooms caramelize properly?

Cook mushrooms on medium-high heat without salting them initially, allowing them to release moisture and develop a deep golden-brown color and rich flavor.

• Why use multiple seasonings on the chicken?

Combining salt, lemon pepper, and paprika creates a complex flavor profile that enhances the chicken’s taste, making each bite more interesting and delicious.

• Can I substitute the cheeses?

While Pepper Jack and mozzarella provide specific flavors, you can use similar melting cheeses like provolone or monterey jack for comparable results.

Smothered Chicken With Creamed Spinach Bacon And Mushrooms Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy smothered chicken with spinach, bacon, and mushrooms delivers Southern comfort on a plate. Rich layers of flavor combine perfectly, promising a hearty meal that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) skinless boneless chicken breast (approximately 4 small or 2 large breasts, halved)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• 10 oz (283 g) fresh spinach
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2/3 cup half-and-half
• 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 oz (113 g) mushrooms (sliced)
• 4 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a 13×9-inch baking dish with a light butter coating.
2. Season chicken breasts generously with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika on both sides.
3. Arrange chicken breasts flat side down in the greased baking dish.
4. Roast chicken for 15-20 minutes until partially cooked.
5. While chicken bakes, create the creamed spinach by heating spinach in a skillet with vegetable oil.
6. Cover spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly wilted.
7. Incorporate minced garlic and half-and-half, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil.
8. Vigorously stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth, then season with salt.
9. In a separate pan, caramelize mushroom slices over medium-high heat without adding salt.
10. Cook mushrooms for 1-2 minutes until they develop a rich golden color.
11. Remove chicken from the oven and layer each breast with creamed spinach.
12. Distribute chopped bacon evenly over the spinach layer.
13. Top with caramelized mushrooms and a slice of Pepper Jack cheese.
14. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
15. Ensure chicken is fully cooked with clear juices and no pink center.
16. Optional: Broil for 2-4 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
17. Monitor closely during broiling to prevent burning.

Notes

• Maintain Chicken Moisture by not overcooking, which can make the meat tough and dry. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
• Select High-Quality Bacon for maximum flavor, preferring thick-cut or applewood-smoked varieties that provide richer taste and crispy texture when cooked.
• Customize Cheese Options by substituting Pepper Jack with alternatives like sharp cheddar, provolone, or Swiss for different flavor profiles that complement the dish.
• Accommodate Dietary Restrictions by using turkey bacon for lower fat content, dairy-free cheese alternatives, or replacing half-and-half with coconut milk for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg