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Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

by Victoria

Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Writing Style

Smothered chicken: doesn’t the name alone promise comfort on a plate? This dish takes everyday chicken breasts and transforms them into a decadent, restaurant-worthy meal. Picture tender chicken smothered in a creamy spinach sauce, laced with crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms. It’s hearty, indulgent, and exactly the kind of recipe that turns a weeknight dinner into a memorable event.

The beauty of this dish lies in its layers of flavor. The smoky bacon, caramelized mushrooms, and velvety spinach sauce combine to create a harmony of tastes that’s nothing short of magical. Best of all, it’s made in a single pan—fewer dishes, more flavor!

This recipe is for those moments when you want comfort food with a touch of elegance. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a crowd-pleaser for company, this dish never fails to impress.


Recipe Overview in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a flavor-packed, one-pan wonder. It’s everything you love about comfort food—rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying. The chicken is perfectly seared, while the sauce combines smoky bacon, tender mushrooms, and garlicky spinach for a truly irresistible meal.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll create a dish that feels indulgent and tastes like it came straight from a five-star kitchen.


Exciting Story

This dish came into my kitchen by happy accident. I was trying to use up leftover bacon and mushrooms one evening, and before I knew it, I had stumbled upon a new family favorite. My husband took one bite and declared it “better than a steakhouse.” Now, it’s the meal my kids request for birthdays, rainy days, and everything in between.


Why This Smothered Chicken?

  • Rich and Flavorful: Creamy spinach and mushrooms with smoky bacon create a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup for maximum reward.
  • Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or impressing your guests.

Cuisine

American


Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

How to Make Smothered Chicken

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Cook the Bacon:
    • In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
    • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat until golden and tender.
  4. Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce:
    • Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
  5. Combine Everything:
    • Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve hot over your favorite side dish and enjoy the rich flavors.

Tips

  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for added depth.
  • Don’t rush the mushrooms—let them caramelize for maximum flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan.
  • Add Heat: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Extra Veggies: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an extra burst of flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Swap heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk thickened with cornstarch.
  • Use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles for a low-carb meal.

Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style

And there you have it—Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms that’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether it’s a special dinner or a weeknight indulgence, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Be sure to check out our other one-pan wonders for more easy, delicious recipes!


Relevant Categories: Dinner, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meals

Tags: Smothered Chicken, Creamy Spinach Sauce, One-Pan Recipes, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Ideas


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes! Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to keep the sauce creamy.
  2. Can I use frozen spinach?
    Absolutely—thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce.
  3. What can I serve with this dish?
    Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta are excellent options.
  4. How do I store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  5. Can I add cheese on top?
    Yes! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Gruyère and broil for a golden finish.

Enjoy creating and savoring this incredible dish! 🍽️✨

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Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms


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  • Author: Victoria

Description

Smothered chicken: doesn’t the name alone promise comfort on a plate? This dish takes everyday chicken breasts and transforms them into a decadent, restaurant-worthy meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • Season and Sear the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Cook the Bacon:
    • In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  • Sauté the Mushrooms:
    • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat until golden and tender.
  • Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce:
    • Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
  • Combine Everything:
    • Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
  • Serve:
    • Serve hot over your favorite side dish and enjoy the rich flavors.

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