Description
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with creamy spinach, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted Pepper Jack cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast (approximately 4 small or 2 large breasts, halved)
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For the Creamed Spinach:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Chicken Preparation: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Place the seasoned chicken flat side down into the greased baking dish. Bake for 15–20 minutes until partially cooked.
- Creamed Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach, cover the skillet, and cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Stir in minced garlic and pour in the half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add shredded mozzarella cheese. Cook on high heat while stirring until the cheese has melted and the mixture becomes creamy. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 1–2 minutes until they turn golden brown, avoiding adding salt to encourage proper caramelization.
- Assembly and Final Baking: Remove the partially baked chicken from the oven. Evenly top each piece with the creamed spinach, followed by the sautéed mushrooms and chopped bacon. Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on top of each chicken piece. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. For a golden-brown cheese topping, optionally broil the chicken for 2–4 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach rather than frozen for best texture in the creamed spinach.
- If you prefer less spice, substitute Pepper Jack cheese with regular Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Broiling at the end is optional but provides a nicely browned, flavorful cheese crust.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.