Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a restaurant-quality dish that’s as satisfying as it is indulgent. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with rich, cheesy creamed spinach, crispy bacon, and perfectly caramelized mushrooms, all topped with gooey Pepper Jack cheese. It’s a complete meal that’s both comforting and flavorful, making it perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests.
The creamy spinach base complements the savory mushrooms and smoky bacon, while the melted Pepper Jack cheese adds a hint of spice. Baking the chicken ensures it’s moist and tender, while the layered toppings create a symphony of textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Indulgent Flavors: Rich, cheesy spinach, smoky bacon, and earthy mushrooms elevate this dish.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main dish for weeknights or special occasions.
• Customizable: Swap the Pepper Jack cheese for your favorite meltable cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken:
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1.5 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless (4 small or 2 large, halved)
• Salt, to taste
• 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 shredded mozzarella cheese
Other Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack with jalapeños)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Grease the bottom of a baking dish (13x9x4 inches) with butter.
3. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Place them flat-side down in the greased dish.
4. Bake the chicken for 15–20 minutes until partially cooked.
Step 2: Make the Creamed Spinach
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook, covered, for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
2. Remove from heat and stir in minced garlic and half-and-half.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir over high heat until the cheese melts, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
1. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 1–2 minutes until caramelized. Avoid salting the mushrooms to ensure proper caramelization.
Step 4: Assemble the Smothered Chicken
1. Remove the partially cooked chicken breasts from the oven.
2. Top each chicken breast with a generous layer of creamed spinach, followed by chopped cooked bacon, caramelized mushrooms, and a slice of Pepper Jack cheese.
3. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15–20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (no longer pink in the center, with juices running clear).
4. For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, broil the chicken for the last 2–4 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve
1. Serve the smothered chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken
• Even Cooking: Halve large chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
• Caramelizing Mushrooms: High heat helps mushrooms caramelize for maximum flavor.
• Cheese Choice: For a milder flavor, substitute Pepper Jack with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This Smothered Chicken recipe is a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. It’s rich, creamy, and irresistibly good—perfect for any occasion! 🍗🧀🥓
