When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that combine savory flavors and a delightful mix of textures, Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon stands out as a true favorite. This dish is a wonderful fusion of juicy chicken, rich creamed spinach, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, all smothered together in one skillet. With its delicious layers of flavor, it’s no wonder that this recipe is loved by both family members and guests alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the step-by-step process for preparing Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon along with tips, nutritional information, and additional related recipes you might want to try. Get ready for an easy, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort to the table!

Why You’ll Love Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon

If you’re on the lookout for a dish that perfectly balances savory, creamy, and crispy elements, look no further. Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon brings all these qualities together in a single plate. The chicken is cooked to perfection—golden and juicy on the outside, tender on the inside. The creamed spinach is creamy and rich, offering a fresh contrast to the smoky flavor of the bacon. To top it all off, the melted cheese brings it all together into one delicious bite.

This dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also highly customizable. You can swap out the type of cheese, adjust the seasoning, or even make it with different types of leafy greens. It’s the perfect meal to serve for dinner gatherings or weeknight family meals, and it’s easy to make ahead if you’re meal prepping.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon butter
1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast (approximately 4 small or 2 large breasts, halved)
Salt to taste
¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamed Spinach:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
10 ounces fresh spinach
4 cloves garlic, minced
⅔ cup half-and-half
⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Additional Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos

How to Make Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by preparing the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. While the butter is melting, season the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika.

Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook them for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamed Spinach

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it occasionally until the spinach wilts, which should take around 2-3 minutes.

Once the spinach has wilted, add ⅔ cup of half-and-half and ⅔ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir the mixture until the cheese is fully melted and the spinach becomes creamy and smooth. Once it’s ready, set the creamed spinach aside while you cook the mushrooms and bacon.

Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Bacon

In another skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté them for 5 minutes or until they become tender and slightly browned. Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the chopped bacon and stir everything together until the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the mushrooms.

The smoky bacon and savory mushrooms will add a rich depth of flavor to the dish, balancing out the creamy spinach and chicken.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

To assemble the dish, place the cooked chicken breasts on individual plates. Top each piece of chicken with a generous serving of the creamed spinach. Next, spoon the mushroom and bacon mixture over the top of the spinach. Finally, add a slice of cheese—either Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack with Jalapenos—on top of each chicken breast.

Allow the cheese to melt over the warm chicken, spinach, and bacon. The result will be a mouthwatering dish that’s ready to serve!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese has melted, your Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon is ready to enjoy! This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. The combination of flavors and textures will surely have everyone coming back for more.

Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon

Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the creamed spinach a vibrant, tender texture. Frozen spinach can be used, but it might result in a more watery consistency, so be sure to drain it thoroughly if you go that route.
Customize the Cheese: The cheese on top of the chicken is key to creating that delicious creamy, melty finish. Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or Swiss to change up the flavor profile.
Season the Chicken Well: Don’t skip the seasoning on the chicken! The lemon pepper seasoning and paprika bring out a nice, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor that complements the richness of the spinach and bacon.
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, use jalapeno cheddar or spicy Pepper Jack cheese, or even add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the creamed spinach.
Bacon Variations: You can also try using turkey bacon or prosciutto for a lighter or more gourmet twist. The crispiness of the bacon adds a fantastic contrast to the creamy elements in the dish.

Nutritional Information

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Each serving of Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon contains around:

Calories: 480
Protein: 43g
Fat: 31g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g

This dish is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, thanks to the chicken and spinach. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down, and it’s perfect for a balanced dinner.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon, here are some other delicious recipes you may want to try:

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you eat with Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon?

Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon pairs beautifully with sides that soak up its creamy sauce. Classic options include buttery mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or garlic‑buttered noodles. For a lighter contrast, serve it alongside roasted vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts) or a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread also make excellent companions, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the savory creamed spinach and bacon mixture.

How long does Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon will stay fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator. To maintain quality, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before refrigerating, then consume within this timeframe. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent the cream sauce from splitting.

What is in Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon?

At its core, Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon features juicy, seasoned chicken breasts “smothered” under a layer of creamy creamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy bacon, all finished with a slice of Pepper Jack (or jalapeño‑infused Monterey Jack) cheese. Key ingredients include:

Chicken breasts seasoned with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika
Butter and vegetable oil for cooking
Fresh spinach, garlic, half‑and‑half, and mozzarella for the creamed spinach
Mushrooms and bacon for savory depth
Pepper Jack cheese to melt on top

Why is it called Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon?

The term “smothered” refers to the cooking technique of covering (or smothering) the chicken in a rich sauce or topping. In this recipe, the chicken is literally smothered beneath creamy spinach, a mushroom‑bacon mixture, and melty cheese. This method ensures each bite is infused with the flavors of the toppings, creating a decadent, all‑in‑one skillet meal.

What is the meaning of “smothered meat”?

“Smothered meat” describes a dish where meat is cooked or served under a generous layer of sauce, gravy, or toppings. Originating from Southern U.S. cuisine, smothering involves slow‑cooking meat (often fried or seared) and then covering it with onions, peppers, gravy, or other flavorful mixtures. This technique locks in moisture and infuses the meat with the rich flavors of its smothering ingredients.

Conclusion

Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon is the perfect dish for anyone looking to indulge in a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. The juicy chicken, creamy spinach, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special gathering, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a delicious plate of Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon!

Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon: A Creamy Delight

Author: MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon is a rich and indulgent dish, combining tender chicken breasts with creamy spinach, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe will be a hit with everyone at the table!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon butter
1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 4 small or 2 large breasts, halved)
Salt, to taste
¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamed Spinach:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
10 ounces fresh spinach
4 cloves garlic, minced
⅔ cup half-and-half
⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Additional Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos)

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Creamed Spinach: In the same skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic and spinach, and cook until the spinach is wilted. Stir in the half-and-half and mozzarella cheese, cooking until smooth and creamy. Set the creamed spinach aside.
Cook Mushrooms and Bacon: In another skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, until soft. Add chopped bacon and stir to combine.
Assemble the Dish: Place the chicken on plates, top with a generous portion of creamed spinach, followed by the mushroom-bacon mixture. Finish by topping each chicken breast with a slice of cheese. Allow the cheese to melt before serving.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute the half-and-half with a plant-based milk (like almond milk) and use dairy-free cheese options.
To make it gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients, such as the seasoning and cheese, are certified gluten-free.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 105mg