This Smothered Chicken dish is a cozy dinner winner! Juicy chicken is covered in a creamy mix of spinach, crispy bacon, and tasty mushrooms. It’s rich and comforting!
Who could resist that combo? I love how the bacon adds a fun crunch, and the creamy spinach makes it feel extra special. Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless is best for quick cooking and ease. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option. They take a bit longer to cook but add great flavor.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for added crunch! Turkey bacon or pancetta can be good alternatives if you want a lighter option. Just know the flavor will differ slightly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach works beautifully, but frozen is super convenient! Just make sure to drain excess water to keep the dish from getting soggy.
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms give a nice texture. If you want a more robust flavor, shiitake or portobello can work well. Adjust cooking times as needed since they can be thicker.
Heavy Cream: Full-fat cream gives the best richness. For lighter options, half-and-half or coconut milk can be used, but they alter the flavor a bit.
How Do You Get Chicken That Is Juicy and Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken breasts can be tricky, but a few tips help you achieve juicy, tender meat. First, season the chicken well for flavor. Use medium-high heat to seal the outside and keep the moisture inside.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, avoiding flipping too often.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—it helps retain moisture!
How to Make Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms:
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or white button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups fresh spinach (or use frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for creamed spinach)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook. Total preparation and cooking time is about 50 minutes. Perfect for a comforting dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
First, season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. It’s important to make sure they are well-seasoned for great flavor.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Crisping the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is nice and crispy, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once crispy, take it out and place it on paper towels to drain the excess fat.
4. Sautéing the Mushrooms:
Using the remaining bacon fat in the pan, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes until they are browning and tender. This will add a lovely flavor to your dish!
5. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic into the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—this makes the kitchen smell amazing!
6. Cooking the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down—if you’re using frozen spinach, stir it in well until heated through.
7. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you like. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
8. Combining the Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce over the top. Let everything heat through together for a couple of minutes.
9. Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top of the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
10. Serving Up:
Serve warm, with mashed potatoes, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy your delightful meal!
This dish offers a wonderful blend of flavors and is sure to impress anyone you serve. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish. This will help maintain the creamed texture without making it watery.
How Can I Store Leftover Smothered Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Substitute the Cream for a Lighter Option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick and rich. Adding a bit of cornstarch mixed with water can help thicken it if needed.
What Should I Serve with Smothered Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple side salad. The creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up with bread as well! Feel free to get creative with your sides!
