Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, Mushrooms

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy spinach and mushroom sauce, enhanced with the irresistible taste of bacon. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic:
   • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Wilt the Spinach:
   • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Make the Cream Sauce:
   • Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine Everything:
   • Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Spoon the creamed spinach and mushroom sauce over the chicken.
   • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is reheated and everything is well combined.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the smothered chicken hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
• Calories: 650 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken:

1. Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
2. Bacon Grease: Don’t drain the bacon grease; it adds incredible flavor to the mushrooms and spinach.
3. Cream Sauce: Stir the cream sauce constantly to prevent it from burning and to help it thicken evenly.

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Side Dishes:
   • Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes.
   • Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
   • Pasta: Mix with cooked pasta for a hearty, complete meal.
   • Vegetables: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a balanced plate.
   • Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the dish.
2. Garnish:
   • Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
   • Parmesan Cheese: Add extra grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
3. Temperature:
   • Serve the dish hot for the best flavor and texture. Ensure that the chicken and sauce are thoroughly reheated if made ahead of time.
4. Presentation:
   • Serve the chicken on individual plates, spooning the creamed spinach and mushroom sauce over each piece. Garnish just before serving.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
   • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
   • Shelf Life: The dish will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
2. Freezing:
   • Preparation: Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
   • Shelf Life: The dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Note that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
   • Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating:
   • Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe cover and heat on medium power to avoid overcooking.
   • Stovetop: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
   • Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
4. Avoiding Overcooking:
   • When reheating, especially the chicken, be careful not to overcook it, as this can make it dry. Heat just until warmed through.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms at its best, whether fresh out of the skillet or as delicious leftovers.

 Variations :

Take your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms to new heights with these delightful variations:

1. Smothered Chicken with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
   • Replace the mushrooms with chopped artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. The tangy tomatoes and artichokes add a burst of flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
2. Spicy Smothered Chicken:
   • Add a kick to your dish by incorporating chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the cream sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for an extra layer of heat.
3. Herbed Smothered Chicken:
   • Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. Add these herbs to the cream sauce and use them as a garnish for a fragrant and fresh taste.
4. Smothered Chicken with Broccoli and Cheddar:
   • Substitute the spinach with broccoli florets and use shredded cheddar cheese in place of Parmesan. This variation offers a comforting and cheesy alternative that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and bacon.
5. Smothered Chicken Florentine:
   • Add a touch of elegance by incorporating white wine into the cream sauce. Deglaze the skillet with 1/2 cup of white wine after sautéing the garlic and before adding the spinach. This adds a sophisticated depth of flavor.
6. Smothered Chicken with Bell Peppers and Onions:
   • Include sliced bell peppers and onions along with the mushrooms for a colorful and flavorful variation. The sweetness of the peppers and onions adds a delightful contrast to the rich cream sauce.
7. Smothered Chicken with Pesto and Mozzarella:
   • Mix a couple of tablespoons of pesto into the cream sauce and top the chicken with sliced mozzarella cheese before baking it for the final few minutes. The pesto and mozzarella create a fresh, vibrant, and cheesy dish.
8. Smothered Chicken Alfredo:
   • Turn this dish into a classic chicken Alfredo by using fettuccine pasta as a base. Serve the smothered chicken and sauce over the pasta for a comforting and hearty meal.
9. Low-Carb Smothered Chicken:
   • Make a low-carb version by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Add more green veggies like kale or zucchini for a nutritious twist.
10. Smothered Chicken with Blue Cheese and Pears:
    • For a gourmet touch, add crumbled blue cheese and thinly sliced pears to the cream sauce. The creamy blue cheese and sweet pears create an exquisite balance of flavors.

These variations offer a range of flavors and textures, allowing you to customize the Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Experiment with these ideas to create a dish that is uniquely yours and enjoy the delightful results!

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   • Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
2. What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
   • Cremini, button, or baby bella mushrooms are great choices. You can also mix different types for added depth of flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
4. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
   • You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to make the dish dairy-free.
5. How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
   • Ensure you cook the cream sauce on low heat and stir continuously. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil to prevent curdling.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
   • Yes, feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Sauté them along with the mushrooms and spinach.