🍗 Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon & Mushrooms
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tsp paprika (optional)
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the sauce:
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4 slices bacon, chopped
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
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3–4 cups fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, drained)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice
🔥 Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken:
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
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Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
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Remove and set aside.
2. Cook bacon & mushrooms:
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In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Add mushrooms to the bacon fat and sauté until browned. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Make the creamed spinach:
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Add spinach and cook until wilted.
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Pour in cream, stir in Parmesan, onion powder, and season to taste. Let it simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.
4. Smother the chicken:
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Return chicken to skillet. Top with cooked bacon.
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Spoon the creamy spinach-mushroom mixture over each piece.
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Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through.
🍽️ Serve with:
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Mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower mash
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Garlic bread or crusty rolls
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Roasted green beans or asparagus
🔁 Variations:
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Low-carb/keto: Use cauliflower mash or skip the bacon (but why would you?).
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Add cheese: Top with shredded mozzarella or gouda and broil briefly.
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No cream? Use half-and-half + a bit of cream cheese or evaporated milk.
Want a baked version, casserole style, or a dairy-free spin next?