Quick & Cozy Smothered Chicken With Creamed Spinach, Bacon, And Mushrooms Recipe

Let me share a mouth-watering smothered chicken recipe that combines rich, hearty flavors in one spectacular dish.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky depth to tender chicken breasts nestled in creamy spinach.

Earthy mushrooms bring an elegant touch to this comfort-style meal.

Hearty ingredients meld together creating a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Each bite promises layers of incredible taste and satisfying textures.

Southern-style cooking meets gourmet techniques with this incredible one-pan wonder.

Why Smothered Chicken Is So Tasty

Elevate Home Cooking: Unleash Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home

• Gourmet Simplicity: Craft a professional-level meal without complex culinary skills, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience with straightforward techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Layer multiple complementary ingredients like crispy bacon, creamy spinach, caramelized mushrooms, and melted cheese to create a multi-dimensional taste profile that surprises and delights every bite.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap cheese varieties, adjust seasonings, or choose different side dishes to match personal preferences, making this recipe flexible for various dietary needs and taste preferences.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimal cleanup with a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after preparing a delicious meal that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.

Ingredients in Smothered Chicken Dish

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender cuts perfect for a hearty meal.

• Half-and-Half: Rich and creamy base for sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft and melty white cheese.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy and melty cheese topping.
• Butter: Smooth fat for greasing baking dish.

• Fresh Spinach: Vibrant and tender green leafy vegetable.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and caramelizable sliced fungi.
• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful minced ingredient.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Zesty and tangy spice blend.
• Paprika: Warm and slightly sweet red spice.

• Bacon: Crispy and salty pork flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for sautéing.

Smothered Chicken Cooking Guide

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 13x9x4-inch baking dish and give it a quick butter massage to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Season and Prep the Chicken

Shower the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika.

Lay them flat in the buttered dish like sunbathers on a beach.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

A meat thermometer is your best friend here.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Spinach Magic

• Fresh spinach
• Minced garlic

Cover and cook until the spinach wilts like a tired dancer.

Pour in half-and-half and bring to a gentle bubble.

Stir in mozzarella until it transforms into a smooth, creamy dream.

Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.

Step 4: Mushroom Transformation

• Sliced mushrooms

Let them sizzle undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a golden-brown tan.

Stir and cook for another minute until they’re perfectly caramelized.

Step 5: Build Your Flavor Tower

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

Step 6: Final Flavor Blast

Return the dressed-up chicken to the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Want extra drama?

Broil for 2-4 minutes to create a crispy, golden cheese top.

Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Plate and Celebrate

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

Serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad.

Dinner is served!

Tips for Smothered Chicken Perfection

• Monitor internal temperature carefully with a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
• Allow mushrooms to caramelize without stirring initially, creating deeper, richer taste and golden-brown edges.
• Watch closely during final broiling stage to achieve perfectly melted cheese without burning the top.
• Swap Pepper Jack with other cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone to match personal taste preferences.
• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or light green salad to balance the rich, savory chicken dish.

Storing Smothered Chicken the Easy Way

• Store leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Restore crispy texture by placing chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and keep the meat juicy.
• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Smothered Chicken

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy chicken and cut through its heaviness with bright, acidic notes.
• Enhance with Roasted Garlic Bread: Serve a crusty, warm baguette brushed with roasted garlic and herbs to soak up the delicious creamed spinach and cheese sauce.
• Create Balanced Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the indulgent main dish.
• Match with Bold Red Beverage: Choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais to harmonize with the bacon's smokiness and add depth to the overall flavor profile.

Variations on Smothered Chicken Recipe

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace mozzarella and half-and-half with heavy cream and cream cheese. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides and swap out potato-based accompaniments.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free bacon and verify cheese does not contain gluten fillers. Select alternative seasoning blends without wheat-based additives.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives. Replace half-and-half with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter for cooking.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushroom steaks. Maintain the creamed spinach and mushroom layers. Use plant-based bacon or smoked tempeh strips for similar flavor profile.

FAQs

• What makes this smothered chicken recipe unique?

This recipe combines multiple flavor layers with creamed spinach, caramelized mushrooms, and crispy bacon, creating a rich and indulgent dish that elevates classic chicken breast.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it completely, squeezing out excess moisture before adding to the recipe to prevent watery creamed spinach.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and avoid overcooking. The half-and-half and melted cheese also help keep the chicken tender and juicy.

• Is this recipe considered low-carb or keto-friendly?

The dish is relatively low-carb, with no added grains or high-carb ingredients. It’s protein-rich and can be suitable for low-carb diets, though always consult your specific dietary guidelines.

Smothered Chicken With Creamed Spinach, Bacon, And Mushrooms Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Smothered Chicken celebrates comfort with rich, creamy spinach and crispy bacon dancing across tender meat. Southern-style indulgence delivers pure pleasure when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal that speaks directly to your soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 lbs (680 grams) chicken breast, skinless and boneless (4 small or 2 large, halved)
• 4 slices bacon

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Fats and Preparation:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter (for greasing the dish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a 13x9x4-inch baking dish to ensure easy food release and enhanced flavor.
2. Thoroughly season chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika on both sides, creating a robust flavor profile.
3. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts flat side down in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even cooking.
4. Bake chicken for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), verifying doneness with a meat thermometer.
5. While chicken bakes, create the creamed spinach by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Add fresh spinach to the skillet, covering and cooking for 1-2 minutes until completely wilted, stirring periodically.
7. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor.
8. Pour half-and-half into the spinach mixture, bringing to a gentle simmer and stirring in mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy.
9. Season the creamed spinach with salt, then remove from heat and set aside.
10. In a separate pan, caramelize mushroom slices over medium-high heat, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown color without initial stirring.
11. Stir mushrooms and continue cooking until they reach a perfect caramelized state, then set aside.
12. Remove chicken from initial baking and generously top each breast with creamed spinach, spreading evenly.
13. Layer caramelized mushrooms and chopped bacon over the spinach for added texture and depth of flavor.
14. Crown each chicken breast with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy, melty finish.
15. Return assembled chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely.
16. For an extra-crispy top, broil the chicken for 2-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
17. Allow chicken to rest briefly after removing from oven, enabling juices to redistribute.
18. Plate and serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility.
• Use low-fat dairy options or non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream to reduce calories and accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
• Reduce salt content by using herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika for enhanced flavor without sodium overload.
• Choose turkey bacon or tempeh bacon for a lighter protein option that maintains the smoky, crispy texture of traditional bacon.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 56g
• Cholesterol: 120mg