Creamed Spinach With Smothered Chicken

Introducing a luxurious dish that marries the richness of creamed spinach with succulent smothered chicken: Creamed Spinach with Smothered Chicken. This tantalizing recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, caramelized onions, and savory mushrooms, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese and Italian dressing mixture.

But the real star of the show? Fresh baby spinach, wilted to perfection and generously layered atop each chicken breast, creating a vibrant and nutritious centerpiece.

Topped with a decadent blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese, this dish is baked to golden perfection, resulting in a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a cozy and comforting meal, Creamed Spinach with Smothered Chicken is sure to impress and delight with every delectable bite.

Creamed Spinach With Smothered Chicken

Ingredients

4 Chicken Breasts, Boneless and skinless

1 large Onion, sliced

8 ounces Mushrooms, sliced

1 pkt Italian Salad dressing mix

8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature

8 ounces Baby Spinach, fresh

1 ½ cups Mozzarella and Provolone Blended Cheese, shredded

2 tbsp Olive Oil

Salt and pepper to taste, if desired

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350*

Add Olive Oil to a skillet and heat over medium heat

Saute the onions until softened and caramelized

Stir the mushrooms into the skillet and saute until soft

Step 2:

In a bowl beat the cream cheese and the Italian Salad Dressing mix

Grease a baking dish liberally

Place the chicken breasts in the skillet

Top each breast with an equal amount of the cream cheese mixture

Add the spinach in the skillet with the onions and mushrooms and saute until spinach is wilted

Season the chicken breast and Cream Cheese with Salt and pepper if desired

Spoon the Spinach, onion and mushroom mixture over the cream cheese mixture

Sprinkle the shredded Cheese over the top of the Spinach mixture

Step 3:

Bake for 30 minutes

Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless and skinless chicken breasts for a lean and tender result. Pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Onion and Mushrooms: Caramelizing the onions and sautéing the mushrooms adds depth of flavor to the dish. Cook them until they are soft and golden brown for maximum flavor.

Italian Salad Dressing Mix: This adds a burst of flavor to the cream cheese mixture. You can use store-bought Italian dressing mix or make your own with a blend of herbs and spices.

Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother consistency. It adds richness and creaminess to the dish.

Baby Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a pop of color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish. Wilt it with the onions and mushrooms until just tender.

Mozzarella and Provolone Cheese: The shredded cheese blend adds a gooey and cheesy topping to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference.

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Baking Dish: Grease the baking dish liberally to prevent sticking. Choose a dish large enough to accommodate the chicken breasts without overcrowding.

Seasoning: Season the chicken breasts and cream cheese mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference for flavor.

Baking: Bake the assembled dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving: Serve the Creamed Spinach with Smothered Chicken hot from the oven for a comforting and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a substitute for chicken breasts if you prefer.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a bit longer to cook through.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian salad dressing mix?

If you don’t have Italian salad dressing mix, you can substitute it with a combination of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach in place of fresh baby spinach.

Thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the skillet with the onions and mushrooms.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.

Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast to check for doneness.

It should be opaque and no longer pink in the center.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components of the dish in advance and assemble it just before baking.

Store the cooked onions, mushrooms, and spinach mixture in the refrigerator separately from the chicken and cream cheese mixture.

Assemble the dish when ready to bake.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written may contain gluten due to the Italian salad dressing mix.

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free Italian dressing mix or substitute with a homemade blend of gluten-free herbs and spices.

Can I use a different type of cheese for topping?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer for topping the dish.

Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even grated Parmesan would work well.

How do I prevent the cream cheese mixture from spilling out while baking?

Make sure to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and leave a small border around the edges.

This will help contain the mixture while baking.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the spinach and mushroom mixture for added flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Creamed Spinach with Smothered Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.

Additionally, crusty bread or garlic bread would complement the creamy spinach and chicken perfectly.