The Juiciest Smothered Chicken With Creamed Spinach, Bacon, And Mushrooms Recipe

Crafting a delectable smothered chicken with creamed spinach, bacon, and mushrooms promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Southern comfort meets gourmet elegance in this mouthwatering dish.

Layers of rich, savory flavors dance across your palate with each carefully prepared bite.

Crispy bacon and tender mushrooms create a luxurious backdrop for juicy chicken breasts.

Silky creamed spinach adds depth and sophistication to this hearty meal.

Perfectly balanced ingredients transform an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Cook this recipe and watch your dinner table light up with excitement and delicious anticipation.

What Makes Smothered Chicken So Rich and Savory

• Craft a Gourmet Meal at Home: Dive into a restaurant-quality dish without leaving your kitchen.
• Savor Rich, Layered Flavors: Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy spinach that creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Versatile One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this simple skillet recipe that transforms basic ingredients into an impressive meal suitable for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Food: Indulge in a protein-rich dish that satisfies hunger while delivering luxurious textures and decadent flavors in every single bite.

Ingredients for Creamy, Smoky Smothered Chicken Goodness

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish.
• Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the creamed spinach.
• Cream Cheese: Provides additional creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps bind the sauce.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps develop the sauce's smooth consistency.

• Fresh Spinach: Brings vibrant green color and nutritional value to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Adds earthy flavor and meaty texture to the sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic base note to the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the dish's flavors.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm undertone to the creamed spinach.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a flavorful base.

How to Cook Chicken with Spinach, Bacon & Mushrooms

Step 1: Perfectly Season Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring every inch gets delicious flavor coverage.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Crisp Up Bacon

Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, cook bacon until edges turn deep brown and become wonderfully crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Sauté Mushroom Magic

Using bacon fat in the pan, sauté sliced mushrooms for 4-5 minutes. Watch for caramelized edges and complete moisture evaporation. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 5: Create Creamy Spinach Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Wilt and Season Spinach

Fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, allowing leaves to soften and blend seamlessly. Sprinkle in nutmeg, salt, and black pepper for depth of flavor.

Step 7: Add Bacon Crunch

Crumble reserved bacon and scatter over the creamed spinach for a delightful textural contrast.

Step 8: Reunite Chicken With Sauce

Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy spinach. Warm for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors completely.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately, generously spooning extra creamed spinach and mushroom mixture over the chicken. Prepare for a mouthwatering meal that combines crispy, creamy, and savory elements.

Smart Tips for Layering Creamy, Meaty Flavor

• Select Quality Chicken: Choose fresh, thick-cut chicken breasts without any discoloration or strange odors for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness and guaranteeing safe, juicy results.
• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Reserve bacon fat for sautéing mushrooms, adding extra depth and richness to the entire dish without extra seasoning.
• Prevent Spinach Wateriness: Pat spinach leaves dry before adding to cream sauce to maintain a thick, creamy consistency and avoid watery separation.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Add garlic toward the end of mushroom cooking to prevent burning and preserve its aromatic, intense taste profile.

Variations to Shake Up Smothered Chicken

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk and use low-carb cream cheese for a healthier alternative that maintains rich flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Infuse chicken with rosemary, thyme, and oregano, then top with crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, and swap parmesan for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-style smothered chicken.
• Cajun Fusion Edition: Coat chicken with Cajun seasoning, incorporate andouille sausage with mushrooms, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions for a New Orleans-inspired dish.

What Dishes Pair Well with Creamy Smothered Chicken

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Syrah that complements the rich, creamy chicken dish with its balanced acidity and fruity undertones.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's heaviness, providing a fresh and tangy contrast to the creamy spinach and bacon.
• Match Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamed spinach sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with additional texture and flavor.
• Recommend Sparkling Water Pairing: Choose a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites, refreshing the taste buds and balancing the dish's richness.

How to Store Smothered Chicken for Later

• Store leftover Smothered Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken and creamed spinach are completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and spinach to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to eat. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs on Creamed Spinach and Bacon Chicken

• Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, this smothered chicken recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, with high protein and fat content from chicken, bacon, and cream-based sauce.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have certain items?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, swap parmesan with pecorino cheese, and use different mushroom varieties like shiitake or cremini based on availability.

• How do I know the chicken is properly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken breast, ensuring safe and juicy meat.

Smothered Chicken With Creamed Spinach, Bacon, And Mushrooms Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent smothered chicken with creamed spinach, bacon, and mushrooms delivers Southern comfort on a plate. Rich layers of flavor and crispy bacon create a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms hungry souls.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Bacon and Mushrooms:

• 6 slices bacon
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Creamed Spinach:

• 10 oz fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
5. In the same skillet, crisp bacon until edges are deep brown and texture is crunchy.
6. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in pan.
7. Sauté sliced mushrooms in bacon fat for 4-5 minutes until edges caramelize and moisture evaporates.
8. Add minced garlic and cook for additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to create creamed spinach base.
10. Incorporate heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan, stirring continuously until smooth.
11. Fold in fresh spinach, allowing leaves to wilt and integrate into sauce.
12. Season creamed spinach with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
13. Crumble reserved bacon and sprinkle over creamed spinach.
14. Return chicken to skillet, nestling pieces into creamed spinach.
15. Warm briefly for 2-3 minutes to marry flavors and ensure chicken is heated through.
16. Serve immediately, spooning extra creamed spinach and mushroom mixture over chicken.

Notes

• Customize chicken thickness by gently pounding breasts to ensure even cooking and tender results.
• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture that enhances the overall dish’s richness.
• For low-carb variations, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use cauliflower instead of traditional cream base.
• Fresh spinach delivers superior taste and texture compared to frozen, guaranteeing a vibrant and authentic creamy spinach experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 947 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg