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How to Make Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken for the perfect sear.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Keep it covered to stay warm while you prepare the sauce.
2. Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms
Now it’s time to bring in the smoky bacon and earthy mushrooms.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once crispy, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet (with the bacon drippings), add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften and start to brown.
- Season the mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper as they cook.
3. Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce
It’s time to bring the creaminess to this dish.
- Add the spinach to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder (if using), and cream cheese. Let the cream cheese melt into the sauce for added richness.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You can also add a bit more cream cheese for extra creaminess if desired.
4. Combine and Serve
Now it’s time to bring everything together.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom sauce.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully smothered. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce is rich and creamy, garnish with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dish, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple green salad.
Tips for the Perfect Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
- Sear the Chicken Well: Be sure to get a nice golden-brown crust on the chicken when searing. This not only adds flavor but also helps lock in the moisture for a juicy chicken breast.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and gives the sauce a rich texture. If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery sauce.
- Add More Flavor with Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add a couple of cloves of minced garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Customize with Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, to the sauce for more variety.
- Cheese Variation: For a different twist, try swapping the Parmesan for a sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a gooier, more decadent sauce.
Why You Should Try Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a dish that truly has it all—flavor, richness, and comfort. The savory chicken is perfectly complemented by the creamy, earthy sauce, and the crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch that makes every bite irresistible. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a special meal at home.
With its rich flavors and luxurious sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. So go ahead and treat yourself to this indulgent yet simple dish—you won’t regret it!
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