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If you want a dinner that feels both comforting and restaurant worthy this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon and Mushrooms will win everyone over. Tender roasted chicken forms the foundation while the creamy spinach and savory mushroom blend comes together quickly in a skillet. Finished with crisp bacon and gooey Pepper Jack cheese it strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and a little bit decadent. I love serving this on cool evenings when everyone wants something hearty but still gluten free and low carb.
My husband asked for seconds the very first time I made it. Now it is a go to whenever we have a pack of chicken ready to use and want something that feels special but easy.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: skinless and boneless look for plump pieces for juicy results
- Butter: for roasting chicken and greasing your pan adds richness
- Salt: brightens every layer and keeps chicken flavorful
- Lemon pepper seasoning: zesty punch and a boost of brightness
- Paprika: brings color and a mild smoky note
- Vegetable oil: for wilting spinach and browning mushrooms go for a neutral high heat oil
- Fresh spinach: ten ounces it should be vibrant and not wilted or slimy
- Garlic: fresh cloves provide sharp aromatic depth
- Half and half: for the creamy spinach base you can use light cream for a richer texture
- Mozzarella cheese: melts smoothly and gives the spinach a stringy cheesy finish use blocks rather than pre shredded if you can
- Mushrooms: choose firm button or cremini mushrooms for best flavor and texture
- Bacon: cooked until crispy thick cut holds up best in the bake
- Pepper Jack cheese: or Monterey Jack with jalapenos for a spicy topping fresh deli slices have the best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pan Prep and Oven Setup:
- Butter the bottom of a thirteen by nine inch baking dish so chicken does not stick and gains a buttery base Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees to ensure even cooking and golden cheese at the end
- Season and Roast the Chicken:
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt lemon pepper seasoning and paprika pressing lightly so spices stick Arrange chicken in your prepared dish flat side down in a single layer Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for fifteen to twenty minutes the pieces will just begin to turn opaque and release some juice
- Make the Creamed Spinach:
- In a skillet warm one tablespoon vegetable oil over medium Add spinach cover and let wilt for one to two minutes it will shrink down a lot Toss in minced garlic and pour in half and half letting it bubble up and thicken Add mozzarella and stir over high heat until everything melts together into a thick creamy base taste and add salt as needed then set aside
- Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Heat a tablespoon vegetable oil in another skillet over medium high Add sliced mushrooms and cook undisturbed for one to two minutes letting a golden crust form for maximum umami leave out the salt until after they brown
- Assemble and Bake:
- Remove chicken from oven layer on a thick scoop of creamed spinach and follow with golden mushrooms and crispy chopped bacon Top each piece with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese for spiciness and extra melt Pop the dish back in the oven for another fifteen to twenty minutes until the chicken is firm and cheese is bubbling you can broil for two to four minutes at the end for extra browning
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I am always thrilled by how the fresh garlic in the creamed spinach perfumes the whole kitchen. The first time I made this recipe my kids dragged chairs over just to sneak tastes from the pan before it was even baked.
Storage Tips
This dish keeps well covered in the fridge for up to three days. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. For best texture reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature so the cheese does not get rubbery. It is also freezer friendly but wrap portions tightly for best results both chicken and spinach hold up perfectly after freezing.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap out the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you want more richness. You can use baby kale in place of spinach just wilt it a little longer. Monterey Jack or even mild cheddar works if you prefer less spice. For a dairy free version use a creamy unsweetened oat milk and dairy free mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe shines over a simple cauliflower mash or alongside a pile of roasted green beans. If you are not low carb a side of sourdough bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce. A fresh tomato salad balances out all the richness on the plate. At our house we love to pile on a few extra slices of crispy bacon for extra crunch.
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Cultural or Historical Context
Smothered chicken is a cozy dish with roots in Southern American kitchens where chicken is braised or baked with a creamy or richly flavored sauce. Creamed spinach and bacon add a comforting retro steakhouse flair while the mushrooms lend earthy depth. The combination checks all the boxes for comfort food in my family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What's the trick for juicy baked chicken breasts?
Bake at the right temp and season well. Toss on the toppings partway, so everything stays moist as it finishes up. Don't let it hang in the oven too long or it'll dry out.
- → Can frozen spinach be swapped in?
You bet! Just defrost and press out extra water before mixing it in. If you need to, tweak the amount and cook it up with half-and-half plus garlic as you go.
- → What cheese works if I don’t have Pepper Jack?
Monterey Jack or Mozzarella are great if you don’t want much heat, or just use any soft cheese you like that melts well.
- → Is it cool to make this ahead?
Go ahead and put everything together, except for the final oven time. Keep it chilled, then bake and broil right before you’re ready to eat for the best flavor and crunch.
- → How can I get mushrooms crispy, not mushy?
Use a hot pan and skip the salt at first. This way, the mushrooms brown up instead of going soggy since there's no extra water released right away.