Introducing a mouthwatering dish that will win over your family and friends: Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon and Mushrooms. This comforting meal combines tender chicken, savory bacon, creamy spinach, and earthy mushrooms to create a delightful experience for your taste buds. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions for this delicious dish.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 cup of fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a rich and flavorful sauce that enhances the chicken while adding depth to the dish.
Instructions
To prepare your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon and Mushrooms, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
3. In the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown. This should take about 5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. While the sauce is thickening, season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
8. In another skillet or oven-safe pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
9. Once seared, pour the creamed spinach mixture over the chicken breasts in the pan.
10. Sprinkle cooked bacon on top of everything.
11. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
12. Once done baking, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving warm alongside your favorite side dishes such as rice or mashed potatoes.
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon and Mushrooms recipe not only delights with its rich flavors but also provides a hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Tips and tricks
To make your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon and Mushrooms truly delicious, consider the following tips. First, use fresh spinach for a vibrant flavor. If you can’t find it, frozen spinach works as well; just be sure to drain it thoroughly. Second, choose thick-cut bacon for added texture and richness. Cook the bacon until crispy before adding other ingredients to the pan.
When preparing the chicken, sear it over medium-high heat for that beautiful golden crust. Remember not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. For an extra creamy sauce, let it simmer gently after adding the cream. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully. Lastly, serve this dish with crusty bread or over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
FAQs
What is Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon and Mushrooms?
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon and Mushrooms is a hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a rich, creamy sauce made from spinach, crispy bacon, and mushrooms. The combination of flavors creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon and Mushrooms by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. These veggies add color and nutrition while complementing the overall flavors of the dish nicely.
How do I store leftovers of Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon and Mushrooms?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
##### This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors with its creamy spinach sauce and savory bacon. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Give it a try tonight for a satisfying meal!