Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon And Mushrooms

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

This delicious dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom sauce for a comforting meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika on both sides.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Discard most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and sauté until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Prepare the Creamed Spinach:
   • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Cheese and Butter:
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and smooth. Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and mix well.
6. Smother the Chicken:
   • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it completely.
7. Simmer and Serve:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the smothered chicken with creamed spinach, bacon, and mushrooms over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. The rich and creamy sauce pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips:

• For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.

This hearty and flavorful dish is a comforting blend of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors. Whether for a special family dinner or a cozy night in, this smothered chicken will impress with its richness and depth. Enjoy!