Indulge in Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Bacon

Sink your teeth into this irresistible Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach – a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden-brown perfection, then smothered in a luxurious creamy sauce loaded with fresh spinach, savory mushrooms, and crispy bacon. This hearty, one-pan meal is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken

To create this mouthwatering Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1.5 lb chicken breasts, skinless
• ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 10 oz fresh spinach
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅔ cup half and half
• 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating this delectable Smothered Chicken masterpiece:

Prepare the Chicken

First, season the chicken breasts on both sides with lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will give the chicken a flavorful crust as it sears in the pan.

Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside. Be sure to reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet – this will add an extra layer of savory flavor to the dish.

Sear the Chicken

Add the butter and vegetable oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms

Reduce the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened.

Add the Spinach

Toss the fresh spinach into the skillet and cook it until it’s wilted down.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the half and half and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce, mushrooms, and spinach over the chicken, and let it all simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. Get ready for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to satisfy!

Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken

To ensure your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach turns out absolutely delicious, keep these tips in mind:

• Season the Chicken Well: Generously seasoning the chicken with spices like lemon pepper and paprika will create a flavorful crust as it sears in the pan.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Sear the chicken in batches if needed to prevent steaming, which can prevent that golden-brown crust from forming.
• Use Half and Half for a Creamy Sauce: Half and half creates a rich, velvety texture in the sauce, but you can substitute with heavy cream or milk if needed.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to the sauce to suit your personal preferences.
• Try Healthier Swaps: For a lighter version, use low-fat or non-fat half and half, and pair the dish with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

What to Serve with Smothered Chicken

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach is a rich, comforting main dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
• Buttery garlic noodles or rice
• A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts
• Crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce

For a refreshing beverage pairing, try a chilled white wine, a crisp lager, or a bright, citrusy cocktail.

Nutrition Information

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach dish is a hearty, satisfying meal, but it can also be a healthy option. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 475
• Protein: 49g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

The chicken, spinach, and mushrooms provide a nutrient-dense foundation, while the bacon and creamy sauce add richness and flavor. For a healthier twist, you can use low-fat dairy products, swap the bacon for turkey bacon, or serve the dish with a side of roasted vegetables.

FAQs About Smothered Chicken

What is smothered chicken?

Smothered chicken is a dish where chicken is cooked in a rich, creamy sauce or gravy. In this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach recipe, the chicken is seared and then smothered in a creamy sauce made with half and half, spinach, mushrooms, and bacon.

Is chicken and spinach a good meal?

Yes, chicken and spinach is an excellent, nutrient-dense meal combination. Chicken provides lean protein, while spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The addition of the creamy sauce and savory bacon in this Smothered Chicken dish creates a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

How do you thicken chicken and mushroom sauce?

To thicken the creamy sauce in this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach recipe, you can let it simmer for a few minutes, which will allow the sauce to reduce and naturally thicken. You can also try adding a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with a bit of water to the sauce, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.

What meat goes well with creamed spinach?

Chicken is an excellent pairing for creamed spinach, as seen in this Smothered Chicken dish. Other meats that complement creamed spinach well include:

• Pork chops or tenderloin
• Beef filet or steak
• Shrimp or other seafood
• Turkey or turkey sausage

The rich, creamy texture of the spinach pairs beautifully with the savory, protein-packed meats.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
• Creamy Chicken and Bacon Tortellini Soup

Conclusion

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach dish is a true comfort food masterpiece. With its juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and flavor-packed ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, and bacon, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious, cozy flavors in every bite!

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