Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms (Page 2 ) | October 17, 2025

Annonce:

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

2. Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika.
Place the chicken flat-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes to partially cook the chicken.

3. Prepare the Creamed Spinach

While the chicken is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the fresh spinach, cover, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Remove the cover, add the minced garlic, and pour in the half-and-half. Bring to a boil.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, cooking for about 30 seconds until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
Lower the heat, stir until smooth and creamy, and season with salt to taste. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Mushrooms

In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized. Avoid salting to ensure proper browning.

5. Assemble and Bake

Remove the partially cooked chicken from the oven.
Top each chicken breast evenly with the prepared creamed spinach, followed by the chopped bacon and caramelized mushrooms.
Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese over each chicken breast.
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For extra browning, broil for 2-4 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a light green salad.

Cheese Options: Swap Pepper Jack for Swiss, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor.
Protein Options: Replace chicken with turkey cutlets or pork chops for a twist.
Vegetarian Option: Use large portobello mushrooms as the base instead of chicken.
Add a Kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the spinach for a bit of spice.

Perfect Caramelization: Don’t salt the mushrooms while cooking to ensure they caramelize properly.
Prevent Dry Chicken: Partially cooking the chicken ensures it remains juicy and tender after the final bake.
Low-Carb Sides: Pair with steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
Make Ahead: Prepare the spinach and mushrooms ahead of time for a quicker assembly.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.