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Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Season chicken with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Sauté spinach in oil for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic, half and half, and mozzarella. Stir until smooth. Cook mushrooms in oil for 1-2 minutes until caramelized. Top chicken with spinach, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Broil for 2-4 minutes if desired.
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy chicken breasts are topped with creamy spinach, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Pepper Jack cheese for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Smothered Chicken :
- Rich and Creamy Flavors: The combination of creamed spinach, bacon, and cheese creates an indulgent topping for the chicken.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with staples like chicken breast, mozzarella, bacon, and fresh spinach.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients like the cheese or add additional veggies.
- Impressive Presentation: Looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish but is simple to prepare at home.
Ingredients :
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon butter: For greasing the baking dish.
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast: Skinless, boneless (4 small breasts or 2 large, halved).
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning, ¼ teaspoon paprika: For seasoning.
For the Creamed Spinach:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing spinach.
- 10 oz fresh spinach: Adds a nutritious, vibrant layer.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Provides aromatic depth.
- ⅔ cup half and half: For a creamy texture.
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into a luscious sauce.
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing mushrooms.
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced: Adds an earthy flavor.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped: Provides crispy, smoky goodness.
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos): For a spicy, cheesy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions :
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Place chicken, flat side down, in the baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes.
2. Make the Creamed Spinach
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Stir in minced garlic and half and half. Bring to a boil.
- Add mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, season with salt to taste, and remove from heat.
3. Cook the Mushrooms
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes until caramelized. Avoid salting to ensure proper browning.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Remove partially cooked chicken from the oven.
- Top each chicken breast with creamed spinach, cooked bacon, caramelized mushrooms, and a slice of Pepper Jack cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Broil for the last 2-4 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
5. Serve
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken :
- Use Fresh Spinach: For vibrant flavor and texture, use fresh spinach over frozen.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken stays juicy.
- Broil with Care: Watch closely while broiling to prevent burning.
- Caramelize Mushrooms Properly: Avoid salting mushrooms during cooking to ensure they brown well.
Variations :
- Cheese Options: Swap Pepper Jack for mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss cheese.
- Veggie Additions: Include sliced bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
- Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
Serving Suggestions :
- Side Dishes: Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a crisp garden salad.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, savory flavors.
Storage and Reheating :
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
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Yield: 4
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a hearty, flavorful dish. Juicy chicken topped with creamy spinach, bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheese. Perfect for dinner!
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning, ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Creamed Spinach
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅔ cup half and half
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese