Description

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a rich, indulgent dish that’s packed with flavor. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are baked and topped with a creamy spinach sauce, crispy bacon, and sautéed mushrooms, all crowned with a layer of melted Pepper Jack cheese. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that feels elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of flavors—from the spicy cheese to the earthy mushrooms—makes every bite a delightful experience.

Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad, this smothered chicken is a satisfying, well-balanced dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
1.5 lbs chicken breast, skinless and boneless (4 small or 2 large, halved)
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 shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt, to taste

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeños for extra spice)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butter the bottom of a 13x9x4-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, flat side down.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

3. Make the Creamed Spinach:

While the chicken is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the fresh spinach and cover the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Cook the Mushrooms:

In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring, allowing them to caramelize.
Stir the mushrooms and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. Set aside.

5. Assemble the Smothered Chicken:

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven.
Top each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of creamed spinach, spreading it evenly over the surface.
Layer the caramelized mushrooms and the chopped bacon on top of the spinach.
Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top of each chicken breast.

6. Final Bake:

Return the assembled chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you want a crispy, golden cheese topping, broil the chicken for the last 2-4 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

7. Serve:

Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Notes

Cheese Options: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can swap out the Pepper Jack cheese for Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Swiss cheese. For a smokier taste, gouda also works well.
Spinach Substitution: While fresh spinach gives the best texture and flavor, frozen spinach can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid a watery sauce.
Cooking Tips: To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken out of the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). If broiling for a crispy cheese topping, keep a close eye on the oven to avoid burning.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the components (chicken, spinach, mushrooms, bacon) a day in advance and assemble just before baking. This is great for saving time during busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
Healthier Alternatives: To lighten up this dish, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and substitute light half-and-half or milk for the creamed spinach sauce. You can also reduce the cheese for a less indulgent version.
Chicken Doneness: Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.