This Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms recipe is the perfect comfort food. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and topped with a rich and creamy spinach sauce, smoky bacon, and earthy mushrooms.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sear the chicken: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the olive oil and sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms: Add the butter to the same skillet and cook the mushrooms until softened and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the creamed spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and bacon: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cooked bacon, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the flavors meld together.
- Finish the dish: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach and mushroom mixture. Let everything simmer together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of thyme (if using) and serve hot with your favorite side dish.
