Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.

2. Sear the Chicken:

• While the bacon cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
• In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic:

• In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) and sauté the mushrooms over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until they soften and brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce:

• Add the fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach) to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired) to taste. Continue simmering for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

5. Combine Everything:

• Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet, stirring it into the creamy spinach sauce.
• Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamed spinach and mushroom sauce over the chicken. Allow the chicken to warm through in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve:

• Once everything is heated through and well combined, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve the smothered chicken alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Rich and Flavorful: The creamy spinach, bacon, and mushrooms add incredible depth of flavor to the chicken, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
2. One-Skillet Meal: This recipe is easy to prepare and only requires one skillet, making both the cooking and cleanup process a breeze.
3. Perfect for Special Occasions: While this dish is simple to prepare, it’s elegant enough for dinner parties or special celebrations. The combination of chicken, bacon, spinach, and mushrooms looks impressive and tastes even better.
4. Customizable: You can make this recipe your own by adding other ingredients, such as artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a bit of white wine to the sauce for extra richness.

Tips for the Perfect Smothered Chicken:

• Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor and juiciness, consider using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bones will help keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
• Make it Lighter: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you like your sauce extra creamy, you can add more Parmesan cheese or a splash more cream to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter sauce, add more chicken broth and reduce the cream.
• Pre-cook the Spinach: If you prefer your spinach to be well-cooked, you can sauté it with the mushrooms and garlic for a few minutes before adding the cream.

Conclusion:

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, savory, and indulgent. With tender chicken, creamy spinach, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms, this dish delivers layers of flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab your skillet, and treat yourself to a delicious, hearty meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated!