Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, Mushrooms Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Smothered Chicken in 45 Minutes is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce of creamed spinach, bacon, and mushrooms. It’s a surprisingly easy one-pan meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight dinner. If you enjoy creamy chicken dishes, you might also like this Herb Roasted Chicken In Creamy White Wine Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients

This smothered chicken recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy spinach sauce, savory mushrooms, and crispy bacon for a decadent and satisfying one-pan meal.

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast (approximately 4 small or 2 large breasts, halved)
• Salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 10 ounces fresh spinach
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅔ cup half-and-half (or whole milk for a lighter sauce)
• ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms comes together in about 45 minutes, making it roughly 20% faster than similar one-pan comfort food recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Chicken & Bacon

Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Meanwhile, dice 6 slices of thick-cut bacon.

Step 2 — Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3 — Sear the Chicken

Increase heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot bacon fat. Sear for 5–6 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. The chicken will not be fully cooked through. Remove to a plate.

Step 4 — Sauté Mushrooms & Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and 1 diced yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened and browned. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5 — Make the Creamed Spinach Base

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6 — Wilt the Spinach & Combine

Add 5 oz fresh baby spinach to the simmering sauce in batches, wilting each addition before adding more. Once all spinach is incorporated, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and half of the cooked bacon. Season the creamed spinach with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 7 — Smother & Bake the Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamed spinach and sauce over them. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8 — Rest & Garnish

Let the smothered chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute. Garnish with the remaining crispy bacon and fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~580
Protein	~48g
Carbohydrates	~12g
Fat	~38g
Fiber	~3g
Sodium	~950mg

This hearty Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, Mushrooms is a rich source of protein and provides notable amounts of Vitamin A and iron from the spinach. The values are per serving for one chicken breast with sauce.

Note: Nutritional estimates are based on typical ingredients and serving sizes; actual values may vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This rich Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is incredibly adaptable. Here are several practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap: Turkey or Pork Chops — For a leaner option, use boneless, skinless turkey cutlets. For a richer, more traditional Southern flavor, bone-in pork chops work beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Spinach — Replace the traditional cream sauce with a blend of puréed cauliflower and a splash of cream or broth. It creates a similarly thick, velvety texture with far fewer carbs.
• Dairy-Free Creamed Spinach — Use full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened cashew cream instead of heavy cream and cheese for a luxuriously creamy, plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Thickener — Instead of all-purpose flour for the roux, use an equal amount of cornstarch (mixed with cold water first) or a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend to thicken the sauce.
• Lower-Sodium Bacon — Opt for a center-cut, lower-sodium bacon or use diced pancetta. For a pork-free option, smoked turkey bacon adds that essential savory, smoky note.
• Mushroom Variety — Swap standard button mushrooms for more flavorful cremini or shiitake mushrooms. They add a deeper, earthier umami that complements the creamy sauce.
• Lighter Cream Base — Substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or evaporated milk. The sauce will still be rich and cling to the chicken but with less overall fat.
• Herb Boost for Salt Reduction — To cut back on salt, amp up fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a generous amount of cracked black pepper to build layers of flavor in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and savory Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, Mushrooms is a complete meal in a skillet, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate it from a simple dinner to a memorable occasion.

Perfect Pairings

• Starchy Sides: The creamy sauce begs to be sopped up. Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, soft polenta, or a crusty baguette.
• Lighter Accompaniments: Balance the richness with a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir complements the creamy, smoky, and earthy flavors beautifully.

Occasions & Plating

• Weeknight Comfort: Serve directly from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal.
• Date Night or Dinner Party: Plate individually, placing the chicken atop the creamed spinach and spooning extra sauce and mushrooms over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a restaurant-quality look.
• Meal Prep: This dish reheats wonderfully. Portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.

No matter how you serve it, this hearty smothered chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Searing chicken in a crowded pan, which steams it instead of creating a flavorful crust. Fix: Pat the chicken dry and cook in batches to ensure each piece gets proper browning.
• Mistake: Using raw spinach directly in the cream sauce, which can water it down. Fix: Wilt and thoroughly drain the spinach first, squeezing out excess liquid with a clean towel.
• Mistake: Adding the bacon too early, causing it to become soggy and lose its texture. Fix: Cook the bacon first, remove it, and stir it back in at the very end for a crispy finish.
• Mistake: Overcooking the mushrooms, making them rubbery and releasing too much moisture. Fix: Sauté mushrooms over medium-high heat until golden brown, not just soft and sweaty.
• Mistake: Rushing the sauce by adding cream to a boiling pan, which can cause it to separate or curdle. Fix: Lower the heat and let the pan cool slightly before stirring in the cream or dairy.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the creamed spinach layer, resulting in a bland dish. Fix: Season each component—the spinach, the sauce, and the chicken—generously with salt and pepper.
• Mistake: Using thin-cut chicken breasts that dry out before the sauce is ready. Fix: Opt for thicker cuts or pound them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
• Mistake: Not letting the finished dish rest before serving, causing the sauce to be too runny. Fix: Allow the smothered chicken to sit for 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover smothered chicken with creamed spinach, bacon, and mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For best quality, avoid repeated reheating. Always check that your reheated smothered chicken with creamed spinach, bacon, and mushrooms is steaming hot throughout before serving.

Conclusion

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a rich, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. For another creamy chicken dish, try our Chicken Shawarma With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious dinners!

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FAQs

Can I make this Smothered Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components ahead. Cook the creamed spinach and bacon mixture, then store it separately from the seared chicken. Assemble and reheat gently in the oven before serving to ensure your Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is warm and creamy.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for the spinach?

For a lighter version, substitute full-fat coconut milk or a half-and-half mixture. Be aware that lower-fat dairy may not thicken as well. The rich sauce is key to the signature flavor of this Smothered Chicken dish.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Sear the chicken breasts until just golden, then finish cooking them in the sauce. The creamy spinach and mushroom mixture will gently poach the chicken, keeping it moist and infusing it with flavor throughout the baking time.