Description

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a rich and savory dish that's sure to impress. Perfectly seared chicken breasts are smothered in a decadent sauce made from earthy mushrooms, crispy bacon, and creamy spinach. This one-pan dish offers layers of flavor, from the smoky bacon to the creamy sauce, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, offering tender and juicy meat.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden brown.
• Key Ingredients for the Sauce:
• 4 slices of bacon: Provides a smoky, savory flavor to elevate the dish.
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced: Adds a rich, earthy taste to the sauce.
• 3 cups fresh spinach: A healthy, vibrant green addition that pairs perfectly with the cream.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious and creamy sauce to smother the chicken.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For an aromatic depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season the sauce and bring out the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: To cook the bacon and mushrooms.

Preparation Method

Season and Cook the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms:

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until they become tender and release their juices.
Prepare the Creamed Spinach:

Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the mushrooms and garlic.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and is well incorporated into the sauce.
Combine Everything:

Season the creamy spinach and mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serve:

Serve the smothered chicken hot, spooning the creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom sauce over the top. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips and Conclusion

Swap proteins: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
Low-carb option: For a keto-friendly version, serve the smothered chicken over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
Add cheese: To make the dish even richer, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before serving.
Herb flavor: Add a dash of dried thyme or rosemary for extra flavor in the sauce.

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and indulgent flavors. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luxurious sauce, it’s a dish that will leave everyone at the table satisfied. Simple to make yet rich in flavor, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again!