Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon And Mushrooms

Ingredients

Chicken:

1 tablespoon butter

1.5 lb chicken breast skinless, boneless (4 small chicken breast or 2 large chicken breast, halved)
salt

¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

¼ teaspoon paprika

Creamed spinach:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

10 oz spinach fresh

4 garlic cloves minced

⅔ cup half and half

⅔ cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

4 oz mushrooms sliced

4 slices bacon cooked, chopped

4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Butter the bottom of the baking dish (I used an oval casserole dish measured 13 inches x 9 inches x 4 inches deep).

Generously season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, lemon pepper seasoning and a small amount of paprika.

Place the chicken breasts, flat side down, into the greased baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes at 375 F.

How to make Creamed Spinach:

In the mean time, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium heat.

Add spinach and cook for only 1 or 2 minutes, covered, until the spinach is thoroughly heated through and start to wilt.

Remove from heat.

Add minced garlic and half and half.

Bring to boil.

Add shredded mozzarella cheese and keep stirring, on high heat, until mozzarella cheese starts to melt – about 30 seconds.

Reduce heat to simmer and keep stirring until you have a nice, smooth creamed spinach – about 30 seconds or 1 more minute.

Season with salt to your taste.

Remove from heat.

Cook mushrooms:

In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.

Add sliced mushrooms and cook on high-medium heat for 1-2 minutes until mushroom caramelize.

Do not salt mushrooms or it will prevent the caramelization.

Smothered chicken assembly:

Remove the chicken breasts from the oven (you baked them for 15-20 minutes).

Top each chicken breast with the creamed spinach, chopped cooked bacon, cooked mushrooms and broken slices of pepper jack cheese.

Bake in the oven, uncovered for 15-20 more minutes, until chicken is cooked through, no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear.

Broil for the last 2-4 minutes, if desired, being careful not to burn the cheese on top.

Notes:

Chicken Preparation:

Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts and season generously with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. This adds flavor to the chicken before baking.

Creamed Spinach:

Quickly cook fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted, then add minced garlic and half and half (or cream) to create a creamy base.
Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth, creating a rich and flavorful creamed spinach.

Mushroom Cooking:

Sauté sliced mushrooms in vegetable oil over high-medium heat until caramelized. Avoid salting the mushrooms initially to promote caramelization.

Chicken Assembly:

After partially baking the seasoned chicken breasts, top them with the prepared creamed spinach, chopped cooked bacon, caramelized mushrooms, and slices of Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese.

Baking Process:

Return the assembled chicken to the oven and bake until the chicken is fully cooked (no longer pink in the center) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optionally, broil for a few minutes to achieve a golden-brown finish on the cheese, being careful not to burn it.

Flavor Profile:

This dish combines the savory flavors of seasoned chicken, creamy spinach, smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and spicy Pepper Jack cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Preparation Tips:

Preheat the oven adequately to ensure even cooking of the chicken.
Use a greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
Monitor the cooking time to avoid overcooking the chicken, which can lead to dryness.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this smothered chicken dish with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added color and flavor.

Customization:

Customize the dish by using different types of cheese based on preference or availability.
Adjust the seasoning and spices to suit your taste, adding more or less based on personal preference.

Make-Ahead Option:

Prepare components of the dish in advance, such as cooking the bacon and caramelizing the mushrooms, for quicker assembly on the day of serving.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe.

Adjust cooking time as needed.

What type of seasoning can I use if I don’t have lemon pepper seasoning?

If you don’t have lemon pepper seasoning, you can use a combination of black pepper, lemon zest, and a touch of salt for a similar flavor profile.

Is there a substitute for half and half in the creamed spinach?

You can substitute half and half with a mixture of equal parts milk and heavy cream or use all heavy cream for a richer texture.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach.

Make sure to drain excess moisture before adding it to the creamed spinach mixture.

What type of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?

If you prefer a different cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyère, feel free to use that instead of mozzarella for the creamed spinach.

How do I prevent the mushrooms from sticking to the pan when caramelizing?

To prevent mushrooms from sticking, make sure the pan is well-heated before adding them and avoid overcrowding the mushrooms in the pan.

Cook in batches if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components (cream spinach, cooked bacon, caramelized mushrooms) ahead of time and assemble just before baking.

Adjust baking time accordingly if assembling from cold.

What sides pair well with smothered chicken?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple side salad.

The creamy spinach and mushrooms complement starches nicely.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I customize the toppings on the chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preference.

Additions like diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or different cheeses can enhance the flavor profile.