Savory Chicken Recipe

Juicy Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, & Mushrooms Recipe

Succulent chicken breasts sizzle with irresistible smothered chicken with creamed spinach magic, promising a dinner that’ll make taste buds dance.

Rich, velvety flavors merge in this decadent dish that screams comfort.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch to tender chicken nestled in a luxurious cream sauce.

Earthy mushrooms bring depth and complexity to every single bite.

Creamy spinach weaves its green goodness throughout the plate, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of savory elements that transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Let’s find out this indulgent recipe and let your kitchen become a gourmet paradise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 582 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken with Spinach & Bacon

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that becomes juicy and flavorful when seared and baked, choose fresh, plump breasts without discoloration.
  • Bacon: Adds rich, smoky depth to the dish, select thick-cut varieties for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil: Creates a tangy base that brightens the entire dish, use high-quality aged balsamic for deeper complexity.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and intensifies the savory profile, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, aromatic warmth without overwhelming other ingredients, look for pure, unadulterated powder.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.
For Creamy Texture and Bulk:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce that binds ingredients, choose full-fat cream for richest results.
  • Baby Spinach: Introduces fresh, green nutrients and vibrant color, select crisp, bright leaves without wilting.
  • Cremini Mushrooms: Brings earthy, meaty undertones, pick firm mushrooms with intact surfaces and minimal blemishes.
  • Flour: Helps dredge chicken for perfect golden crust and thickens sauce, all-purpose works best.

Tools to Make Smothered Chicken with Mushrooms

  • Deep Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan perfect for frying and simmering all recipe components.
  • Slotted Spoon: Essential for removing bacon pieces without excess grease.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken and slicing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for cutting chicken breasts and mushrooms.
  • Measuring Spoons: Help accurately season chicken with garlic powder and pepper.
  • Tongs: Great for handling and flipping chicken during cooking.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring sauce and incorporating spinach.
  • Measuring Cups: Help measure chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and heavy cream precisely.

How to Cook Chicken Smothered with Creamed Spinach

How to Cook Chicken Smothered with Creamed Spinach
  • Bacon Bliss Fry crispy bacon pieces in a deep skillet, creating a flavor foundation. Remove bacon, reserving the delicious fat.
  • Chicken Preparation Slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating thinner portions. Season with garlic powder and a light flour dusting.
  • Golden Chicken Cooking Sear chicken in the bacon-infused skillet until beautifully golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer to a waiting plate.
  • Mushroom Magic Sauté mushrooms in the same pan, allowing them to caramelize and release their rich, earthy essence.
  • Sauce Symphony Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping up those incredible flavor bits from the bottom.
  • Creamy Transformation Blend heavy cream into the reduced liquid, creating a luxurious sauce that promises comfort and indulgence.
  • Flavor Reunion Reunite chicken, bacon, and mushrooms in the velvety sauce, allowing everything to mingle and intensify.
  • Spinach Finale Gently fold fresh spinach into the dish, wilting it softly and adding a vibrant green touch.
  • Serving Suggestion Present this decadent creation over pasta or alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, with crusty bread for mopping up every last drop.

Flavor Tips for Spinach Bacon Chicken Skillet

  • Save the crispy bacon fat to create layers of deep, smoky flavor throughout the entire cooking process, maximizing taste potential in every bite.
  • When slicing chicken breasts lengthwise, use a sharp knife and steady hand to ensure even thickness, which guarantees consistent cooking and prevents dry edges.
  • Pat mushrooms dry before sautéing to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization, preventing unwanted steaming that can make them soggy and less flavorful.
  • If your cream sauce becomes too thick, slowly whisk in additional chicken broth to restore ideal consistency without losing rich, velvety texture.
  • Add fresh spinach at the very end of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving both nutritional value and delicate texture.

Serving Smothered Chicken with Sides

  • Comfort Food Feast: Elevate your dining experience by serving this smothered chicken over creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the rich sauce to cascade deliciously across each bite.
  • Rustic Family Platter: Transform the meal into a shared family-style experience by presenting the chicken and creamy spinach directly in a large cast-iron skillet, encouraging everyone to dig in together.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the dish's robust flavors with a crisp chardonnay or a light pinot noir, which will beautifully balance the creamy sauce and enhance the bacon's smoky undertones.
  • Green Side Harmony: Add a fresh, bright counterpoint to the rich chicken by serving a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, cutting through the dish's decadent creaminess and providing textural contrast.

Storage Tips for Spinach Bacon Mushroom Chicken

  • Smart Storage Solutions
  • Refrigerator Rescue: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain delicious taste.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Carefully package meals in freezer-safe containers, keeping the dish intact for up to 2 months. Separate sauce and chicken if possible to prevent texture breakdown during freezing.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.
  • Ingredient Separation Trick: Keep bacon and spinach separate when storing to prevent soggy textures. Add crispy bacon bits and fresh spinach just before serving to maintain optimal crunch and freshness.
Print
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Savory Chicken Recipe

Savory Chicken


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Smothered chicken with creamed spinach, bacon, & mushrooms combines southern comfort with elegant flavors. Home cooks discover a rich, satisfying meal that promises delightful textures and hearty warmth you can savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken breasts (large, cut in half lengthwise)
  • 6 bacon strips (cut into small pieces)
  • 8 oz (227 g) cremini mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or whipping cream)
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach (loosely packed)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • pepper (to taste)
  • flour (for dredging)

Instructions

  1. Bacon Preparation: Render bacon pieces in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until crisp and golden. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving fat in the pan.
  2. Chicken Preparation: Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally, creating thinner cutlets. Season with garlic powder and black pepper, then lightly coat with flour.
  3. Chicken Cooking: Sear chicken in bacon fat, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.
  4. Mushroom Sautéing: Add olive oil to the skillet and sauté mushrooms for 6-8 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and release moisture.
  5. Sauce Development: Deglaze skillet with chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping the pan’s bottom. Reduce liquid by half to concentrate flavors.
  6. Cream Integration: Slowly whisk heavy cream into the reduced liquid, simmering 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes luxurious.
  7. Final Combination: Return chicken, bacon, and mushrooms to the creamy sauce. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors completely.
  8. Spinach Wilting: Fold fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing leaves to wilt naturally while maintaining their vibrant color.
  9. Serving Suggestion: Plate the smothered chicken alongside fettuccine, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to complement the rich sauce.

Notes

  • Bacon Rendering Technique: Cook bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and create a perfect crispy texture without burning.
  • Chicken Prep Precision: Butterflying chicken ensures even cooking and helps create tender, juicy cutlets that cook quickly and consistently.
  • Temperature Mastery: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F, preventing undercooking while maintaining moisture.
  • Mushroom Caramelization Secret: Allow mushrooms enough undisturbed skillet time to develop deep, rich browning for maximum umami flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 582
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 659 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 146 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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