Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1.1. Season the Chicken:

  • In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

1.2. Sear the Chicken:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms:

2.1. Cook the Bacon:

  • In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

2.2. Sauté the Mushrooms:

  • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the thyme, if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamed Spinach:

3.1. Sauté Onion and Garlic:

  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3.2. Add Spinach:

  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

3.3. Add Cream and Cheese:

  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg, if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Dish:

4.1. Combine Ingredients:

  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamed spinach. Top each chicken breast with the sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese.

5. Bake and Serve:

5.1. Melt the Cheese:

  • If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to the oven. If not, transfer the chicken and sauce to an oven-safe baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5.2. Garnish and Serve:

  • Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Perfect Smothered Chicken:

  • Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the topping, such as cheddar, Swiss, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
  • Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach: If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
  • Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a rich, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, creamy spinach, and savory mushrooms and bacon is a match made in comfort food heaven. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides for a satisfying and indulgent dinner!

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