Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms: A Decadent Comfort Dish
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a luxurious and decadent dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom sauce. This flavor-packed recipe is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for those special occasions when you want to indulge in a rich and satisfying meal. Join us as we delve into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients:
For the Smothered Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushroom Sauce:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushroom Sauce: 4. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, stirring occasionally.
- Remove some of the excess bacon grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts and reduces in volume.
- Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
Combine and Serve: 11. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom sauce.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary over the chicken.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Serve your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms hot, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Cook’s Notes:
- To save time, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Customize the sauce by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for a hint of brightness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a tasty meal the next day.
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will elevate your dining experience. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, smoky bacon, and earthy mushrooms come together in a symphony of taste that’s truly indulgent. So, treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting dish, and savor the decadent flavors that make it a standout on any dinner table.