Juicy Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Recipe: Bacon Bliss

Creamy and indulgent, this smothered chicken recipe with creamed spinach, turkey bacon, and mushrooms brings a luxurious twist to your dinner table.

Southern comfort meets gourmet elegance in a one-skillet wonder that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender chicken breasts nestled in a velvety spinach sauce create a mouthwatering experience.

The smoky turkey bacon adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to every bite.

Earthy mushrooms provide an extra layer of richness that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein, greens, and savory goodness.

Prepare to be transported by this irresistible culinary creation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Crave This Smothered Chicken

• Nutrient-Packed Flavor Explosion: Combine protein-rich chicken with spinach, bacon, and mushrooms, creating a balanced meal that delivers incredible taste and nutritional value in every bite.
• Versatile Weeknight Showstopper: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe works perfectly for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal preparation time and maximum culinary impact.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Swap ingredients like cheese or bacon to suit personal tastes, making this recipe a flexible crowd-pleaser that accommodates various preferences without compromising deliciousness.

What’s in Smothered Chicken & Spinach

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy centerpiece of the dish.
• Turkey Bacon: Crispy and flavorful protein topper.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Smooth and creamy melting cheese.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy and melty cheese slice.
• Half and Half: Rich and creamy dairy base.
• Butter: Smooth and rich pan lubricant.

• Spinach: Fresh and vibrant green vegetable.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and caramelizable fungi.
• Garlic: Aromatic and zesty flavor enhancer.

• Salt, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Paprika: Classic and balanced spice mix.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat for sautéing.

Cooking Smothered Chicken to Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

This will ensure your chicken gets perfectly cooked and deliciously golden.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Base

Grease a baking dish with butter.

• Salt
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Paprika

Place chicken flat-side down and bake for 15-20 minutes until it starts to look juicy and tender.

Step 3: Create Creamy Spinach Magic

While chicken bakes, start the spinach adventure.

In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Half and half

Cover and cook until spinach wilts.

Stir in mozzarella until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt and set aside.

Step 4: Caramelize Mushroom Goodness

In another pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Toss in sliced mushrooms and cook until they turn golden and caramelized, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Tower

• Creamed spinach
• Chopped turkey bacon
• Caramelized mushrooms
• Pepper Jack cheese slice

Step 6: Final Bake and Melt

Return chicken to the oven for another 15-20 minutes.

Check that internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

Optional: Broil 2-4 minutes to get that cheese perfectly bubbly and brown.

Step 7: Plate and Enjoy

Let chicken rest briefly.

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

Dig in and savor every delicious bite!

Smart Tips for Rich, Creamy Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat mushrooms dry with paper towels before sautéing to achieve perfect caramelization and avoid excess moisture.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties for smoother melting and better flavor integration.
• Deglaze mushroom pan with white wine or chicken broth to capture additional savory notes and create more complex taste profile.
• Substitute turkey bacon with vegetarian bacon or omit for lower-fat version, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Keep Smothered Chicken Tasty Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste.
• 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.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

What to Serve with Smothered Chicken

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Match the rich, creamy dish with a crisp Chardonnay or unoaked Pinot Grigio to cut through the heaviness and complement the chicken's delicate flavors.
• Craft Beer Connection: Select a Belgian-style wheat beer or a light amber ale that balances the dish's creamy texture with refreshing carbonation and subtle hop notes.
• Vibrant Side Salad Boost: Create a zesty lemon vinaigrette salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the smothered chicken's rich profile.
• Herbal Garnish Recommendation: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the finished dish to add a fresh, green note that lifts the overall flavor complexity and provides visual appeal.

Variations on Smothered Chicken Dinner

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace traditional sides with roasted cauliflower rice, keeping the protein-rich chicken and creamy spinach while reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute half and half with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and replace dairy-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with thick portobello mushroom steaks, maintaining the original recipe's creamy spinach and caramelized mushroom elements while creating a hearty vegetarian main course.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, such as using cornstarch for thickening and checking seasoning blends for potential gluten contamination, making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the recipe to prevent a watery creamed spinach.

• What if I don't have half and half?

You can substitute half and half with equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream, or use heavy cream alone for a richer sauce.

• Is there a substitute for turkey bacon?

Regular bacon, pancetta, or even crumbled vegetarian bacon alternatives work well in this recipe. Choose based on your dietary preferences and taste.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the components separately and assemble just before baking. You can refrigerate the seasoned chicken and prepared ingredients for up to 24 hours before the final bake.

Smothered Chicken With Creamed Spinach Turkey Bacon And Mushrooms Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Smothered Chicken delights palates with tender meat nestled among creamy spinach, crisp turkey bacon, and earthy mushrooms. Comfort meets culinary elegance in this hearty dish that promises to satisfy deep hunger and warm kitchen memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

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

Main Vegetables:

• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup mushrooms

Seasonings and Fats:

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

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Instructions

1. Oven preparation requires setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. Select a 13x9x4-inch baking dish and generously coat the bottom with butter to prevent chicken from sticking.
3. Carefully season chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika, ensuring even coverage.
4. Position chicken breasts flat side down in the prepared baking dish, maintaining uniform placement.
5. Initial baking cycle involves cooking chicken for 15-20 minutes until partially done.
6. Simultaneously prepare creamed spinach by heating vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Add spinach to the skillet, covering and cooking until completely wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes.
8. Incorporate minced garlic and half and half into the spinach, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
9. Melt mozzarella cheese into the spinach, stirring until the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
10. Season the creamed spinach with salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences, then remove from heat.
11. In a separate pan, heat additional vegetable oil over medium-high temperature for mushroom preparation.
12. Sauté sliced mushrooms until they achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior, typically 1-2 minutes.
13. Extract chicken from initial baking and meticulously layer each breast with creamed spinach.
14. Sprinkle chopped bacon over the spinach layer, distributing evenly across each chicken breast.
15. Distribute caramelized mushrooms atop the bacon, creating a flavorful covering.
16. Crown each chicken breast with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese for additional richness.
17. Return the dish to the oven for a final 15-20 minute cooking cycle, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
18. Optional broiling for 2-4 minutes creates a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping.
19. Allow chicken to rest briefly after removing from oven, enabling juices to redistribute.
20. Serve alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad.

Notes

• Customize seasoning blends by experimenting with different spice combinations like Cajun, Italian, or herb-based mixes for varied flavor profiles.
• Swap high-fat ingredients with lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt instead of half and half, reducing overall calorie content without compromising taste.
• Ensure mushrooms caramelize perfectly by avoiding overcrowding the pan and using high heat to develop rich, golden-brown edges.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg