“Chicken in Creamy Spinach with Bacon and Mushrooms”
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
Enjoy a restaurant-style meal without leaving your kitchen with this luxurious Smothered Chicken featuring velvety spinach, crispy bacon, and flavorful mushrooms. Tender chicken breasts are layered with a rich, creamy sauce that makes this dish perfect for special dinners or any night you’re craving something cozy and indulgent.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Bacon | 6 slices |
| Button mushrooms, sliced | 8 ounces |
| Shallot, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Fresh spinach | 8 ounces |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Coat the chicken breasts on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Cook the Chicken
Warm the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Bacon
Using the same pan, fry the bacon until it’s crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble it and set aside.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots
Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped shallot to the remaining bacon drippings. Cook until the mushrooms soften and the shallot becomes clear.
5. Add the Spinach
Stir in the spinach and cook just until the leaves wilt down.
6. Create the Cream Sauce
Turn the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Add the Parmesan and nutmeg, cooking until the sauce slightly thickens.
7. Return the Chicken
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom mixture over the top. Let it simmer briefly so the flavors combine.
8. Finish with Bacon
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the dish before serving.
🍽 Serving Ideas
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed or roasted potatoes, steamed greens, or a crisp salad. The rich sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
🥡 Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before eating.
❓ FAQs
- Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes—just increase the cook time to ensure it’s done fully. - Is frozen spinach okay?
Absolutely. Thaw and squeeze out excess liquid first. - Can I switch to turkey bacon?
Yes, it works well and reduces calories. - Can half-and-half replace heavy cream?
It can, though the sauce will be less rich. - Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely—sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or artichokes are excellent additions. - Can the creamed spinach be made early?
Yes. Reheat it before adding to the chicken.
