Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

This recipe for Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms sounds absolutely delicious. Here’s the full method of preparation organized into steps:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1.5 lb chicken breast (skinless, boneless)
• Salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamed Spinach:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 10 oz fresh spinach
• 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 and chopped
• 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos)

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butter the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 4-inch baking dish.
3. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and a sprinkle of paprika.
4. Place the chicken breasts flat side down in the greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Making the Creamed Spinach:

1. While the chicken is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the spinach and cook covered for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
3. Remove from heat, add minced garlic and half and half, and bring to a boil.
4. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and stir on high heat until the cheese melts, about 30 seconds.
5. Reduce heat to simmer, keep stirring until the mixture is smooth, then season with salt. Remove from heat.

Cooking the Mushrooms:

1. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook on high-medium heat for 1-2 minutes until caramelized. Do not salt.

Assembling the Smothered Chicken:

1. After the initial 15-20 minute bake, remove the chicken from the oven.
2. Top each chicken breast with creamed spinach, chopped bacon, caramelized mushrooms, and slices of pepper jack cheese.
3. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and the juices run clear.
4. For a more golden top, broil for the last 2-4 minutes, but watch it closely to avoid burning the cheese.

Serving:

• Serve the smothered chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
• It goes well with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.

Enjoy your hearty and savory meal