Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms Recipe 🍗🍄🥬

This delicious and creamy Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a perfect dish for any occasion. The juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a rich and flavorful creamed spinach sauce, topped with crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and melted cheese. Here's how to make this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon butter 🧈
• 1.5 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast (4 small or 2 large, halved) 🍗
• Salt (to taste) 🧂
• ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning 🍋
• ¼ teaspoon paprika 🌶️

For the Creamed Spinach:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 🌱
• 10 oz fresh spinach 🥬
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
• ⅔ cup half and half 🥛
• ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 🧀

For the Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 🌱
• 4 oz mushrooms, sliced 🍄
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped 🥓
• 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos 🧀

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika on both sides.
3. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-8 minutes per side (depending on the thickness) until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamed Spinach

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it wilts down.
3. Reduce the heat and pour in the half and half, stirring to combine.
4. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove from heat.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Bacon

1. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
3. Stir in the chopped cooked bacon and sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamed spinach. Spoon the creamy spinach mixture over the chicken.
2. Top each chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, and a slice of cheese.
3. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is melted and bubbly, serve the Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms hot, paired with your favorite side dish like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Tips:

• For extra creaminess: You can add a little extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese to the creamed spinach for a richer texture.
• Spicy variation: If you love a bit more heat, use spicy Pepper Jack cheese or add some chili flakes to the creamed spinach.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table! Enjoy! 🍗🍄🥬🧀