Smothered Chicken With Creamed Spinach, Bacon, And Mushrooms

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

Table of Contents

Description

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a rich and flavorful dish featuring juicy pan-seared chicken breasts covered in a creamy, cheesy spinach sauce with crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms. This comfort meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or low-carb options like cauliflower rice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings

4 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Butterfly or pound the chicken breasts if they are thick, to ensure even cooking.
Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Vegetables

In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the bacon grease, sauté the mushrooms until soft and golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and add fresh spinach to the pan, stirring until wilted.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then season with Italian seasoning.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella (or parmesan) and let the sauce thicken for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach mixture over the top.
Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the dish and let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken

✔ For extra juiciness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before cooking.
✔ Use different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Swiss for a unique twist.
✔ Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
✔ Substitutions: Use turkey bacon for a lighter option or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

🍽 Serve over:

Mashed potatoes
Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
Buttered noodles

⏳ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

📌 Calories: ~450
📌 Protein: 35g
📌 Fat: 32g
📌 Carbohydrates: 6g
📌 Fiber: 2g
📌 Sodium: 650mg

Health Benefits

✅ High in protein – Great for muscle building and satiety.
✅ Rich in healthy fats – Supports brain function and hormone balance.
✅ Spinach is packed with vitamins – Provides iron, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
✅ Low-carb and keto-friendly – Perfect for those following a low-carb diet.

Q&A Section

🔹 Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

🔹 Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness.

🔹 What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, coconut milk, or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk can be used as alternatives.

🔹 Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the creamy sauce may slightly separate when reheated. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat gently with a splash of cream.

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. Enjoy its rich, creamy flavors and pair it with your favorite side dishes! 😋