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Creamy smothered chicken  Recipe

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★★★★★

5.3 from 15 reviews

Smothered Chicken is a delicious baked chicken breast dish topped with creamy spinach, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted Pepper Jack cheese. This comforting meal combines tender chicken with rich, savory flavors and a cheesy finish, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approximately 4 small or 2 large breasts, halved)
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamed Spinach:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅔ cup half-and-half
  • ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Salt to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Chicken Preparation: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Place them flat side down in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until partially cooked.
  3. Creamed Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the fresh spinach, cover, and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Stir in minced garlic and half-and-half, bringing the mixture to a boil. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and cook on high heat until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
  4. Mushrooms: In a separate skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Avoid salting the mushrooms during this step to ensure they caramelize properly.
  5. Assembly and Baking: Remove the partially cooked chicken from the oven. Evenly spoon the creamed spinach over each piece, then top with sautéed mushrooms and chopped crispy bacon. Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on each chicken piece. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the juices run clear.
  6. Optional Browning: For a bubbly, browned cheese topping, broil the dish for 2–4 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen spinach can be substituted if thawed and drained well.
  • Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures it is safe to eat.
  • Bacon can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator to save time during assembly.
  • Broiling the cheese at the end adds a delicious golden crust but watch it closely to prevent burning.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken, baked chicken breast, creamed spinach, pepper jack cheese, mushrooms, bacon, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-recipe/