Description

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Turkey Bacon, and Mushrooms is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food dish. Combining tender chicken, creamy spinach, smoky turkey bacon, and earthy mushrooms, this recipe delivers both indulgence and nutrition in one satisfying meal. The use of turkey bacon reduces the fat content without compromising on flavor, while the creamed spinach provides a rich, velvety texture that’s complemented by the depth of sautéed mushrooms. It’s a balanced dish perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Pair it with garlic mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 tablespoon butter
1.5 lb chicken breast skinless and boneless (4 small or 2 large, halved)
Salt to taste
¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika

Creamed Spinach:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
10 oz fresh spinach
4 garlic cloves minced
⅔ cup half and half
⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 oz mushrooms sliced
4 slices bacon cooked and chopped
4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Chicken:

Butter the bottom of a 13x9x4-inch baking dish. Season the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Place the chicken in the dish, flat side down, and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Make the Creamed Spinach:

While the chicken is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach, cover, and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Add minced garlic and half and half, and bring to a boil. Stir in the mozzarella until melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt to taste and remove from heat.

Cook the Mushrooms:

In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes until caramelized.

Assemble the Smothered Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the oven. Top each breast with creamed spinach, followed by chopped bacon and caramelized mushrooms. Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on each breast.

Final Bake:

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted. Optionally, broil for the last 2-4 minutes to brown the cheese.

Serve:

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or a green salad.

Notes

Choosing Chicken: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs will be juicier and more forgiving in cooking, while breasts are leaner and quicker to prepare. If using chicken breasts, be sure not to overcook to avoid drying them out.
Creamed Spinach Tips: To achieve a rich and creamy texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream. For a lighter option, you can substitute with low-fat milk and a cornstarch slurry to thicken. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the spinach before adding the cream to prevent a watery sauce.
Turkey Bacon: Cooking the turkey bacon until it’s crisp adds a smoky crunch to contrast the creamy spinach. You can substitute regular bacon if preferred, but it will increase the calorie and fat content.
Mushroom Options: Baby bella, cremini, or white mushrooms work well. Make sure to sauté them until golden brown to bring out their full flavor and avoid sogginess.
Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, but it’s best to keep the components (chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and bacon) separate when storing to maintain texture. Assemble before serving for the best results.
Customizations: Feel free to swap the spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard, and adjust seasoning to your taste. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.