Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for **Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms** — a rich and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. The creamy spinach and bacon complement the juicy, tender chicken, while the mushrooms add an extra depth of flavor!
### Ingredients:
#### For the Chicken:
– **4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 tablespoon unsalted butter**
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1 teaspoon onion powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika** (optional)
#### For the Creamed Spinach and Bacon:
– **4 slices bacon**, chopped
– **1/2 cup yellow onion**, diced
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **8 oz baby bella mushrooms**, sliced
– **4 cups fresh spinach** (or about 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
– **1/2 cup heavy cream**
– **1/4 cup cream cheese**, softened
– **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**, or to taste
– **1/4 teaspoon black pepper**, or to taste
– **1/4 teaspoon nutmeg** (optional, for a warm flavor)
### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Chicken**:
– Season both sides of the **chicken breasts** with **salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **smoked paprika**.
– Heat the **olive oil** and **butter** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts.
– Cook the chicken for about **6-7 minutes per side**, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
#### 2. **Make the Creamed Spinach and Bacon**:
– In the same skillet, add the **chopped bacon**. Cook until crispy, about **4-5 minutes**. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
– Add the **diced onion** to the skillet and sauté until softened, about **3 minutes**. Add the **minced garlic** and **sliced mushrooms**, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender, about **4-5 minutes**.
– Add the **fresh spinach** and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure to drain and squeeze out excess water before adding.
– Stir in the **heavy cream**, **cream cheese**, and **Parmesan cheese**. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with **salt**, **pepper**, and **nutmeg** (if using). Let it simmer for about **3-5 minutes** to thicken.
– Stir in the cooked **bacon** and adjust seasoning to taste.
#### 3. **Smother the Chicken**:
– Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach and mushroom mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
– Cover and simmer for about **3-5 minutes**, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and reheat.
#### 4. **Serve**:
– Serve the **smothered chicken** on a plate with a generous spoonful of the creamy spinach, bacon, and mushrooms on top.
– This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.
### Tips:
– **For extra richness**, you can add a little more cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce.
– You can also **grill the chicken** instead of pan-frying it for a smoky flavor.
– **Substitute chicken thighs** for an even juicier, more flavorful option.
This **Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms** is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in!