This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a decadent yet comforting dish that’s easy to make for a weeknight dinner. The tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and crispy bacon come together beautifully in this one-pan meal.
You can serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness. The creamy spinach and mushroom sauce is truly the star of the dish, bringing a delicious depth of flavor to the chicken. This recipe is great for families or anyone looking for a comforting meal that’s full of flavor without being overly complicated to prepare.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add onion and mushrooms to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until soft and browned.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom mixture over the top. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin of Smothered Chicken
Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The term “smothered” refers to the method of cooking in which the chicken is browned and then simmered in a flavorful sauce, often made from the drippings of the chicken itself. This technique allows the chicken to absorb rich flavors, resulting in a tender and juicy dish. The addition of creamy spinach, bacon, and mushrooms brings a modern twist to this traditional favorite, adding complexity and depth to the taste.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and crispy elements. The tender chicken breasts are seasoned and cooked to perfection, while the spinach, bacon, and mushrooms create a luscious and flavorful sauce that envelops each bite. The rich creaminess from the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese ties everything together, making it a comforting and indulgent dish that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy weeknight meal, or even a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Chicken Variations: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe, you can easily swap them for thighs for a juicier result. Bone-in chicken pieces will also work, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to increase the vegetable content, try adding bell peppers or zucchini to the creamy spinach mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can substitute it with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda to create a different flavor profile.
- Make it Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and simply reheat it when ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. A simple green salad on the side will balance out the richness of the dish.
Health Benefits
Although this recipe is indulgent, it includes healthy ingredients like spinach, which is packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin K. Mushrooms provide antioxidants, while the chicken offers a lean source of protein. With the creamy sauce, you get a comforting meal that’s still rich in nutrients.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe for Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is not only delicious but also easy to make. The combination of crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach creates a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The sauce is indulgent yet not overwhelming, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The dish has the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and smoky elements, making it a standout at dinner tables.
Tips for Cooking Smothered Chicken
- Searing the Chicken: For the best results, make sure to sear the chicken breasts on both sides in a hot skillet before simmering. This helps lock in the flavors and ensures the chicken is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Customizing the Sauce: You can make the sauce as creamy as you like. Add a little more heavy cream for a richer sauce or reduce it for a thicker, more concentrated flavor. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can be used as a substitute.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables to the sauce. You could add some bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes for extra flavor and texture.
- Cooking the Bacon: Make sure the bacon is crispy so it retains its texture when mixed with the creamy sauce. You can also crumble the bacon into smaller pieces for a more even distribution of flavor.
- Serving Ideas: This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to serve it with sides, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even buttered noodles are great options. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with any of these sides, making each bite a savory delight.
Nutritional Information
While smothered chicken is generally considered a comfort food, this version incorporates healthier elements like spinach and mushrooms, which add fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins to the dish. The spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate, while the mushrooms provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The protein from the chicken helps keep you satisfied, making this meal both delicious and nutritious.
Variations You Can Try
- Add Garlic: For a more robust flavor, you can add a couple of minced garlic cloves to the sautéed onions and mushrooms.
- Cheese Variations: Parmesan works wonderfully in this recipe, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or goat cheese for a unique twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will add a subtle spicy note that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
Perfect for Family Dinners and Special Occasions
Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or preparing a special dinner for friends, this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is an excellent choice. It’s easy to make, yet it feels like a special meal. The rich, comforting sauce and the tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served on casual nights or during special occasions when you want to impress guests with your cooking skills.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this dish lies in how versatile it is. You can switch up the vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This flexibility ensures that you’ll never get bored of making this dish, as it can easily be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
Conclusion
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken, creamy spinach, earthy mushrooms, and crispy bacon create a deliciously rich sauce that brings the entire meal together. This dish is easy to make, customizable, and versatile, making it ideal for family dinners or impressing guests. With its balance of savory, creamy, and smoky elements, it’s sure to be a new favorite in your recipe rotation.