1. Preparing the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Making the Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms:
- Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat until they start to brown and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Gradually add the spinach, stirring until it wilts down. This may need to be done in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Bacon: Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Combining the Dish:
- Smother the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom mixture. Spoon some of the sauce and vegetables over the top of each breast to ensure they are well coated.
- Simmer Together: Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld.
4. Serving:
- Plating: Serve the smothered chicken hot, ensuring each plate gets a generous helping of the creamed spinach, bacon, and mushrooms.
- Garnish Options: Garnish with extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Preparation: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, you can pound the breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Cream Sauce Consistency: If the cream sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little milk or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it up.
- Flavor Enhancements: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet when cooking the mushrooms.
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home and pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad or a side of mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy this luxurious meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!