Delicious Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms Recipe

If you’re looking for a delectable, hearty meal that combines the richness of creamed spinach, the smoky flavor of bacon, and the savory taste of mushrooms, then this Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms recipe is perfect for you. This dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is sure to become a family favorite. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a balanced meal option.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt

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

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 oz sliced mushrooms
• 4 slices Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeños

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish, flat side down.

Searing Techniques

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown but not fully cooked.
3. Transfer the seared chicken to the baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Making the Creamed Spinach

Ingredients for Creamed Spinach

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
3. Remove spinach from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking Process

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and half and half. Bring to a boil.
2. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth sauce.
3. Return the spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Bacon and Mushrooms

Cooking the Bacon

1. Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.
3. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

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

Assembling the Dish

Layering the Ingredients

1. Remove the chicken breasts from the oven.
2. Top each chicken breast with a layer of creamed spinach, followed by chopped bacon and sautéed mushrooms.
3. Place slices of Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese on top of each chicken breast.

Baking Tips

1. Return the assembled chicken to the oven and bake, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. For a golden-brown finish, broil the chicken for the last 2-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
• Rice or Quinoa: A bed of rice or quinoa for a nutritious base.

For more side dish inspirations, check out this Pinterest board.

Nutritional Information

This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: 611
• Fat: 40g (62% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 22g (138% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 185mg (62% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 709mg (31% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1259mg (36% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates: 7g (2% Daily Value)
• Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Protein: 54g (108% Daily Value)

For detailed information on the nutritional value of chicken, visit this page.

Tips and Variations

Make-Ahead Tips

• This dish can be prepared ahead of time by cooking the chicken and making the creamed spinach. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, assemble and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations

• Different Cheeses: Try using cheeses like Parmesan, Fontina, or Gruyère for a unique flavor.
• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Vegetables: Swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different texture and taste.

For more variations, check out this guide to cheese varieties.

FAQs

How can I make this dish keto-friendly?

• Use heavy cream instead of half and half, and ensure the bacon is sugar-free. This dish is already low in carbs, making it suitable for a keto diet.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

• Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

• Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, ensure that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink in the center.

What type of mushrooms are best for this recipe?

• Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms work well. Choose fresh mushrooms with a firm texture for the best results.

For more tips on cooking chicken safely, visit this resource.

Conclusion

This Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms recipe is a wonderful addition to your dinner rotation. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and experience the delightful combination of creamed spinach, crispy bacon, and savory mushrooms. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite!

For more delicious recipes, explore these healthy dinner ideas.

Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

---

• Author: recipevalue.com
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy spinach sauce, crispy bacon, and savory mushrooms. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt
• 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:
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 4 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 4 slices Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeños

---

Instructions

• Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika.
• Sear Chicken: Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish.
• Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
• Make Creamed Spinach: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove spinach. In the same skillet, add garlic and half and half. Bring to a boil, then stir in mozzarella until melted. Return spinach to the skillet and cook for another minute.
• Cook Bacon and Mushrooms: Cook bacon until crispy and set aside. Sauté mushrooms in a skillet with vegetable oil until caramelized.
• Assemble: Top each baked chicken breast with creamed spinach, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese slices.
• Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for the last 2-4 minutes for a golden finish.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the creamed spinach.
• You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 611
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 185mg