Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

If you’re looking for a savory dish that combines the creaminess of a delicious sauce with the robust flavors of spinach, mushrooms, and crispy bacon, then this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the perfect meal for you. Whether you’re preparing a comforting dinner for the family or impressing guests with a flavorful and satisfying dish, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Rich: The sauce is a silky, creamy mixture that perfectly coats the chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and bacon, creating a comforting blend of flavors.
Savory and Satisfying: The crispy bacon adds a salty bite, the mushrooms give it an earthy taste, and the creamed spinach adds a rich, hearty layer to the dish.
Easy to Make: Even though this dish looks like it took hours to prepare, it comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Keto-Friendly: If you are following a low-carb diet, this recipe fits right in!

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this mouthwatering Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
6 slices of bacon (chopped)
1 cup mushrooms (sliced)

For the Creamed Spinach:

1 tablespoon butter
1 garlic clove (minced)
5 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed and drained)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5 minutes. Once the bacon is fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are golden and tender. The mushrooms will absorb all the delicious bacon flavor, making them rich and savory. Once done, set them aside with the cooked bacon.

Step 4: Make the Creamed Spinach

In a separate small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Next, stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, which will take about 3-4 minutes.

Once the spinach is wilted, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the mixture cook until it thickens. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pan from heat and set it aside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet that was used to cook the chicken and bacon, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and, if you prefer a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring it soaks up all the delicious flavors.

To serve, place a generous spoonful of the creamed spinach on each plate, followed by the chicken breasts. Top the dish with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips for Success

Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent drying out.
Bacon Choice: Choose thick-cut bacon for a heartier bite. Thin-cut bacon may become too crispy and lose its texture in the sauce.
Mushrooms: For an extra depth of flavor, you can use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms.
Dairy Substitutes: If you’re lactose intolerant, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just note that the flavor and texture might differ slightly.

Variations

Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella or gouda to the sauce for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Low-Calorie Option: Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the calorie count.
Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the skillet for added nutrition.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 37g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines rich flavors and textures into a single meal. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just want a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. With the creamy sauce, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms, each bite is packed with flavor.

So next time you’re craving a hearty and delicious meal, give this recipe a try and watch it become a family favorite. Enjoy!