If you’re in the mood for a rich, comforting dish that’s both indulgent and full of flavor, this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the recipe for you. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a velvety sauce, with crispy bacon bits, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach all mingling together in one delicious, creamy bite. And the best part? It all comes together in just one pan, making it the perfect go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without too much fuss.
This recipe has been a game-changer in my household. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to pull together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The combination of crispy bacon, golden-seared chicken, and umami-rich mushrooms, all nestled in a creamy sauce with fresh spinach, creates a symphony of flavors that you’ll want to savor with every bite. The best part? It all comes together in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor! I remember the first time I served this to my family—everyone was asking for seconds, and the pan was scraped clean in no time. If you’re looking for a new go-to recipe that’s sure to impress, this is it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Pan Convenience: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal. This recipe cooks everything in one skillet, letting you layer the flavors without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
- Deep, Rich Flavors: Bacon adds smokiness, chicken is seasoned to perfection, mushrooms contribute earthy notes, and a touch of balsamic vinegar ties it all together with a hint of tanginess.
- Creamy, Dreamy Sauce: The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a luxurious, thick sauce that’s perfect for spooning over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread.
- Family-Friendly: Both adults and kids will love the familiar flavors of this dish, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe!
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts: Cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise helps them cook more quickly and evenly. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more succulent result.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for more texture and flavor. If you’re looking to reduce fat, try turkey bacon or pancetta for a slightly different taste.
- Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are a great choice because of their firm texture and deep flavor, but feel free to use white button mushrooms or even a mix of shiitake and portobello for an earthy variety.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully in the sauce, but if you want something heartier, substitute with kale or Swiss chard. If using kale, give it a few extra minutes to soften in the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a combination of Greek yogurt and milk. Keep in mind, the sauce won’t be as rich, but it’ll still be delicious!
- Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish. You can replace it with white wine vinegar or omit it entirely if preferred.
Directions
- Start with the Bacon: Cut bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy in a deep skillet. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder and pepper, then dredge in flour. Sear in the bacon fat until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside with the bacon.
- Sear the Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the same skillet until browned and tender. Remove and set aside with the chicken and bacon.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Bring Everything Together: Return the chicken, bacon, and mushrooms to the skillet, and let everything simmer in the sauce for a few minutes. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve: Serve immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
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Serving Suggestions
This creamy, smothered chicken dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or penne for a complete, hearty meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a gluten-free option, serve over steamed rice or fluffy quinoa.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations to Try
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For an extra burst of flavor, stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes when you add the mushrooms back into the skillet.
- Swap the Greens: Use kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula in place of spinach for a heartier or peppery flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a hint of heat.
Final Note
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and that luscious, creamy sauce will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. It’s a fantastic one-pan recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a good comfort food meal.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon cut into small pieces
- 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- to taste pepper
- as needed flour for dredging
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach loosely packed
Instructions
- Cook bacon pieces in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season with garlic powder and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour.
- In the skillet with bacon fat, cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- If the skillet is dry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté mushrooms for 6-8 minutes until browned and the water has evaporated. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add chicken broth and balsamic vinegar to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Return chicken, bacon, and mushrooms to the skillet. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach, lifting the chicken to help it wilt evenly.
- Serve the creamy chicken with your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.