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