This cozy dish features tender chicken smothered in a creamy spinach sauce, with tasty bits of bacon and mushrooms. It’s comfort food at its best!
The combination of flavors makes it hard to resist! I love serving this with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you prefer dark meat, thighs will also work beautifully! You can even use cooked chicken for a quicker prep.
Bacon: Bacon brings a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or pancetta can be good substitutes. Vegetarian? Try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the meat.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are great, adding depth to the dish. White button mushrooms can be used too. For a more intense flavor, try portobello mushrooms — just chop them up. Can’t find fresh? Canned mushrooms work in a pinch.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for this recipe for its bright color and taste. If you only have frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out extra moisture before adding. Other greens, like kale, can also provide good results.
Heavy Cream: This creates a rich sauce, but if you’re looking for lighter options, half-and-half or a mix of yogurt and milk can also work. Just adjust the quantity to achieve your desired creaminess.
How Should I Cook the Chicken for Perfectly Juicy Results?
Getting the chicken just right is essential to this dish. First, ensure your chicken is at room temperature for even cooking. Season it well with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This will create a lovely sear.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest on a plate for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy!
How Do I Achieve the Creamy Sauce Consistency?
To get that luscious cream sauce, combine the heavy cream and chicken broth in the pan after sautéing your veggies. This mixture creates a base for your sauce!
- Bring it to a gentle simmer to let the flavors mingle.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and thickens the sauce. If you find it too thick, just add a bit more broth or cream.
- Incorporate Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, if desired. It really enhances the flavor!
These tips should help you create a delicious Smothered Chicken dish with ease. Enjoy your cooking!
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish! A perfect dish for a comforting dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Let it cook until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits and place them on paper towels to drain excess fat.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms:
With the remaining bacon fat in the skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until they’re browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking until it becomes fragrant.
5. Add the Spinach:
Next, toss in the fresh spinach leaves and sauté, stirring constantly, until they are wilted—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine the ingredients together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Mix In Cheese and Flavor:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard (if you’re using it). Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and luscious.
8. Finish the Sauce:
Add the tablespoon of butter and stir until it’s melted and mixed into your creamy sauce.
9. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the flavorful creamed spinach and mushroom sauce, letting them soak up all that goodness.
10. Add the Bacon:
Finally, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top of the chicken.
11. Let It Cook Together:
Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors fully meld together.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Smothered Chicken is ready to be served! Spoon some extra sauce over the top and enjoy with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of this delicious meal!
This recipe will yield tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy sauce loaded with spinach, mushrooms, and crispy bacon for a hearty and flavorful experience. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to fully thaw it first. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking for the best results!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a mixture of yogurt and milk can work well. Just be careful with the heat to prevent curdling if using yogurt — stir it in at lower temperatures.
How Long Will Leftovers Stay Fresh?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time! Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully as they sit, so it’s a great option for meal prep!