The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it brings together a medley of flavors. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts, generously coated in a creamy spinach sauce, and topped with crispy bacon and caramelized mushrooms. Each bite offers a burst of flavors, thanks to the Pepper Jack cheese that adds a subtle spice. The whole family agrees that it’s the ultimate comfort food, especially when paired with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad.
But what truly makes this dish special is the memories it evokes. I remember my kids eagerly helping me in the kitchen, washing the spinach leaves and grating the cheese. They giggled as the mushrooms sizzled in the pan, filling our kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. Those little moments make cooking a truly joyful experience, and I hope this recipe brings you and your loved ones a similar sense of togetherness. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into making this scrumptious Smothered Chicken that promises to delight everyone at the table.
How to Make Smothered Chicken With Creamed Spinach Bacon
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Ingredients:
- 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
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Use butter to gently grease a baking dish, about 13x9x4 inches in size.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika. Lay them flat in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they begin to cook through.
- While the chicken bakes, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium. Toss in the spinach, cover, and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the garlic and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously over high heat until it melts, about 30 seconds. Lower the heat and stir until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
- In a different skillet, heat another tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Cook the mushrooms for 1-2 minutes until they start to caramelize. Avoid adding salt to help them brown properly.
- Take the chicken out of the oven and top each piece with creamed spinach, then add the bacon and mushrooms.
- Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese over each chicken piece and return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Optionally, broil the chicken for 2-4 minutes to brown the cheese, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
Creative Substitutions to Suit Your Taste:
If you’re missing an ingredient or two, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Can’t find Pepper Jack cheese? Swap it out for cheddar or gouda. If spinach isn’t to your liking, try using kale or Swiss chard for a different green twist. Vegetarian? Simply skip the bacon, and you’ll still have a rich, satisfying meal.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Smothered Chicken:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to freeze it, ensure the chicken cools completely first. Wrap each piece individually before freezing, then reheat in the oven to enjoy later.
Side Dishes to Complete Your Meal:
This dish pairs fantastically with creamy mashed potatoes or a light and crisp Caesar salad. For something a bit more robust, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh loaf of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
What You Need to Know Before Making This Dish:
For the best creamed spinach, use fresh leaves and avoid overcooking them—they should be vibrant and just wilted. When caramelizing mushrooms, keep the skillet hot and refrain from adding salt initially to ensure they brown beautifully. And don’t skip the broiling step; it gives the cheese a lovely golden finish.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Smothered Chicken:
In summer, incorporate fresh basil or arugula for a bright twist on the spinach mix. During fall, consider adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potato slices for a cozy, seasonal touch. Spring brings the opportunity to include asparagus tips or pea shoots for added freshness.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. This ensures your creamed spinach remains creamy and not watery.
What is a good substitute for half-and-half?
If you’re out of half-and-half, you can use an equal mix of milk and heavy cream as a replacement. This combination provides the same creamy texture needed for the sauce. Alternatively, evaporated milk can also work if you’re looking to cut down on dairy fat.
How can I tell if my chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F when done. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should no longer be pink inside.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the creamed spinach and mushrooms ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. Assemble the dish just before baking. This approach is perfect if you’re short on time but still want to serve a fresh, hot meal.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamed spinach. You can also use a spicier cheese, like habanero cheddar, for a fiery kick. Adjust to your taste preferences for the desired spice level.
What can I use instead of mushrooms?
If mushrooms aren’t your thing, try substituting them with bell peppers or zucchini slices. These alternatives will still provide a savory element and pair well with the other ingredients, maintaining the dish’s delicious balance of flavors.

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Bacon
Equipment
- baking dish
- Skillet
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing
- 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
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for chicken
Creamed Spinach Ingredients:
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Mushroom and Bacon Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for mushrooms
- 4 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 4 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease the bottom of a baking dish measuring about 13 x 9 inches using butter.
Chicken Preparation:
- Sprinkle an appropriate amount of salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, with the flat side facing down.
- Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Creamed Spinach Preparation:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the spinach and cover. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat, mix in minced garlic and half-and-half, and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and continue stirring on high heat for about 30 seconds until the cheese starts melting.
- Lower the heat and keep stirring to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Season with salt as needed.
Mushroom Preparation:
- In another skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until they caramelize, avoiding adding salt.
Final Assembly and Baking:
- Take the chicken out of the oven and layer each breast with the creamed spinach, followed by the chopped bacon and sautéed mushrooms.
- Top each piece of chicken with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
- For an extra touch, broil for the last 2 to 4 minutes to brown the cheese, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.