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!