Description
ThisSmothered Chicken with Spinach and Bacon is a deliciously creamy and savory dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with rich creamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted Pepper Jack cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines simple ingredients for a comforting meal perfect for any night.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Creamed Spinach
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- â…” cup half-and-half
- â…” cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Mushrooms and Bacon
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Topping
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos)
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 minced garlic and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts. Stir in half-and-half and shredded mozzarella cheese, continuing to cook until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set 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 cooked, chopped bacon and stir to combine well.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked chicken breasts on serving plates. Top each with a generous portion of the creamy spinach, then spoon over the mushroom and bacon mixture. Finish by adding a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on top of each chicken breast. Allow the cheese to melt slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos if Pepper Jack is unavailable.
- Cook bacon to your preferred crispiness before chopping and adding to the dish.
- For a lower fat option, use milk instead of half-and-half, though the sauce may be less creamy.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach if drained thoroughly.
