This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food! The tender, seasoned chicken breast is smothered in rich, garlicky creamed spinach, crispy bacon, and perfectly caramelized mushrooms. Topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese, every bite delivers a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy kick. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, this dish is not only delicious but also low-carb and gluten-free! Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just love flavorful, protein-packed meals, this smothered chicken recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies or cauliflower mash for a complete meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast (4 small or 2 large, halved)
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
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 with Jalapeños)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13x9x4-inch baking dish with butter.
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika. Place flat-side down in the dish and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the creamed spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach, cover, and cook until wilted (1-2 minutes). Stir in garlic and half-and-half, bringing to a gentle boil. Add mozzarella, stirring on high heat until smooth. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat.
- Sauté mushrooms: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Avoid salting to allow proper caramelization.
- Assemble the dish: Remove the chicken from the oven. Top each breast with an even layer of creamed spinach, then add chopped bacon and caramelized mushrooms. Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on top of each piece.
- Final bake: Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (juices run clear).
- Optional broil: Broil for the last 2-4 minutes to brown the cheese slightly—watch closely to prevent burning.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are plenty of reasons to love Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms. It’s not just delicious it’s also easy to make, nutritious, and adaptable to different dietary needs. Here are a few key highlights:
1. Rich and Indulgent Flavors
Every bite of this dish is packed with a satisfying combination of flavors. The creamy spinach mixture brings a luscious texture and garlicky depth, the crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch, and the melted Pepper Jack cheese delivers just the right amount of spice. Meanwhile, the mushrooms introduce a rich umami taste that ties everything together beautifully.
2. High-Protein and Low-Carb
For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this smothered chicken recipe is an excellent choice. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while spinach and mushrooms provide essential vitamins and minerals. The dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone looking to avoid wheat-based ingredients without sacrificing taste.
3. Simple, One-Pan Preparation
This dish is designed to be both quick and easy to prepare. While some smothered chicken recipes require multiple steps and complex sauces, this version keeps things straightforward. Most of the ingredients are cooked in the same pan, making cleanup effortless. It’s perfect for those who love flavorful meals but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. Not a fan of spicy cheese? Use mozzarella or provolone instead. Want to add more veggies? Bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes would work well. Prefer turkey bacon over regular bacon? Go for it!
How This Dish Came to Be
Many home cooks and food lovers find inspiration in classic comfort foods, and smothered chicken is one such dish that has stood the test of time. Traditionally, smothered chicken originated in Southern cooking, where chicken was slow-cooked and “smothered” in gravy or a thick sauce. Over the years, variations of the dish have evolved, incorporating different flavors and cooking methods.
This particular version was created to bring together bold flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist. Instead of using a heavy gravy, the creamed spinach mixture serves as a luxurious topping that enhances the natural juiciness of the chicken. The addition of crispy bacon and mushrooms introduces more depth, making this dish an instant family favorite.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While this dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, you can elevate your meal with delicious side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are a few ideas:
1. Roasted or Sautéed Vegetables
A side of roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini makes a great addition to this meal. Their slight crispiness and natural sweetness balance out the richness of the smothered chicken.
2. Mashed Cauliflower or Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For a low-carb option, creamy mashed cauliflower is an excellent alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. If you’re not worried about carbs, garlic mashed potatoes provide a comforting and creamy side that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the dish.
3. A Light and Refreshing Salad
A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dish, providing a refreshing contrast. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for extra crunch.
4. Rice or Quinoa
If you prefer a grain-based side, a serving of fluffy rice or quinoa works well to absorb the creamy sauce and complement the textures of the dish.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
One of the best things about this smothered chicken recipe is that it stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To maintain the best texture, reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to tweak it based on your preferences:
- Cheese Swap: If Pepper Jack is too spicy, try cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or Gouda for a milder taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and replace the chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meatless version.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and replace the half-and-half with coconut cream or almond milk.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Turkey Bacon Option: If you prefer a leaner alternative, swap regular bacon for turkey bacon.
Conclusion:
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly indulgent and satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner, a new family favorite, or a quick and easy comfort meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
With rich flavors, a creamy texture, and plenty of ways to customize it, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, store leftovers for later, and enjoy a meal that is both hearty and nourishing.