This Smothered Chicken recipe is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with spinach, crispy bacon, and sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving some bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the creamed spinach: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Assemble the dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy spinach and mushroom mixture. Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top.
- Serve: Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy this savory dish over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!
