“My husband requested I make this and I had never even heard of this recipe before”
This smothered chicken dish is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. The creamed spinach, crispy bacon, and sautéed mushrooms add a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
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Ingredients:
Chicken:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 lb |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon pepper seasoning | ¼ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ¼ teaspoon |
Creamed Spinach:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh spinach | 10 oz |
| Minced garlic cloves | 4 |
| Half and half | ⅔ cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | ⅔ cup |
Other:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Sliced mushrooms | 4 oz |
| Cooked, chopped bacon | 4 slices |
| Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos | 4 slices |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare baking dish: Butter the bottom of a baking dish (e.g., an oval casserole dish measuring 13″ x 9″ x 4″).
- Season chicken: Generously season chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper, and a small amount of paprika. Place them, flat side down, in the greased baking dish.
- Bake chicken: Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes at 375°F.
- Make creamed spinach: While the chicken is baking, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook, covered, for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat. Stir in minced garlic, half and half, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and stir until the cheese melts and the spinach is creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Sauté mushrooms: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Sauté sliced mushrooms on high-medium heat for 1-2 minutes until caramelized. Avoid salting mushrooms to prevent hindering caramelization.
- Assemble dish: Remove the chicken from the oven. Top each chicken breast with creamed spinach, chopped bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and broken pepper jack cheese slices.
- Finish baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. For a slightly browned top, broil for the last 2-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Enjoy your smothered chicken with creamed spinach, bacon, and mushrooms!
