This rich and hearty Smothered Chicken dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious topping of creamed spinach, crispy bacon, and sautéed mushrooms. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Creamed Spinach:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble when cool.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add mushrooms. Cook until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamed Spinach:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, place the cooked chicken breasts. Top each breast with a layer of creamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and crumbled bacon.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with roasted potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad.
- Add steamed asparagus or garlic bread for a complete meal.
This indulgent dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that balances creamy, savory, and smoky flavors!