Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hearty dinner. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy sauce loaded with crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and tender spinach. This recipe combines indulgent flavors with simple preparation, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
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For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
For the Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup (100 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1-2 tbsp of bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Combine
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the cooked bacon.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Chicken options: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetable variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes or kale for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of creamy spinach, savory mushrooms, and crispy bacon enhances the natural flavor of the chicken, creating a well-balanced and indulgent dish. The sauce is rich and flavorful without being overpowering, making it perfect for pairing with a variety of sides.
Conclusion
Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a dish that’s sure to impress. Try it today and elevate your dinner to a new level of deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare components of this dish in advance. You can cook the bacon and mushrooms up to 2 days ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. The cream sauce can also be made a day in advance. Assemble the dish just before serving by reheating the sauce, adding the spinach and bacon, and then adding the chicken. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What ingredient substitutions can I make if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts; adjust the cooking time as thighs cook faster. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly thinner. For the mushrooms, cremini or shiitake mushrooms work well. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use a similar hard cheese like Pecorino Romano. Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), but the texture will be slightly different; use about 1 cup of frozen spinach.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat?
The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this by using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast. Visually, the chicken should be opaque throughout, with no pink remaining. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork. The chicken should also be golden brown on the outside from the searing process.
Can I double or scale up this recipe to serve more people?
Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe. If doubling, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Ensure you use a large enough skillet to accommodate all the ingredients. Increase the cooking times slightly, especially for the chicken, and monitor the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). For larger quantities, you might consider using two skillets or a larger, oven-safe pan to finish the dish.
What are the nutritional highlights and health benefits of the main ingredients in this dish?
This dish provides a good source of protein from the chicken and bacon. Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants. Mushrooms offer B vitamins and selenium. Parmesan cheese contributes calcium. The bacon adds flavor but should be consumed in moderation due to its fat content. Olive oil provides healthy fats. Overall, this recipe offers a balance of nutrients, making it a satisfying and relatively healthy meal.
Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon Mushrooms
This delicious recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 4 slices bacon diced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 3 cups spinach fresh
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bacon and cook until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Add mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return chicken and bacon to the skillet. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for additional flavor.
