Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon And Mushrooms

### Directions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the **chicken breasts** generously with **salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **paprika**. This seasoning will give the chicken a flavorful base.

#### Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for about **6-7 minutes per side** until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach **165°F (75°C)**. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Keep the skillet with all the flavorful drippings.

#### Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the chopped **bacon**. Cook over medium heat until the bacon becomes crispy, about **5-7 minutes**. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.

Add the **sliced mushrooms** to the skillet and sauté for about **4-5 minutes**, until the mushrooms are golden and tender. Add the **minced garlic** and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

#### Step 4: Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce
Add the **fresh spinach** to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts down. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and drained well before adding it to the pan.

Pour in the **heavy cream** and **chicken broth**, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken for about 5 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the **Parmesan cheese** and **mozzarella cheese** (if using), stirring until the cheeses melt into the creamy sauce. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste.

#### Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamed spinach and mushroom sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for about **5 minutes**, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors and the sauce to thicken further.

#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully coated in the creamy sauce and heated through, sprinkle the **crispy bacon** over the top for a smoky, crunchy contrast. Garnish with **fresh parsley** for a burst of color.

Serve your **Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms** with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. The creamy sauce also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.

### Tips and Variations

– **Add More Veggies:** If you want to load up on more vegetables, feel free to add **artichoke hearts**, **sun-dried tomatoes**, or even some roasted **red bell peppers** to the creamy spinach sauce for extra texture and flavor.
– **Use Chicken Thighs:** For even juicier, more flavorful chicken, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. The slow braising in the sauce will keep them tender and full of flavor.
– **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. **Gruyère**, **cheddar**, or even **goat cheese** can be great alternatives to mozzarella and Parmesan.
– **Make It Spicy:** Add some **crushed red pepper flakes** or a dash of **hot sauce** to the creamy spinach sauce to give it a spicy kick.
– **Freezer-Friendly:** If you have leftovers, this dish stores well in the fridge for a few days and can be reheated. It also freezes well, so you can make extra for easy meals later on.

### Why You’ll Love Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

**Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms** is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, indulgent flavors with a balance of textures. The creamy spinach sauce, enhanced by the crispy bacon and savory mushrooms, creates a luxurious coating for the tender chicken. This dish is perfect for those who crave hearty meals packed with flavor, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare.

The combination of crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and creamy spinach pairs beautifully with the perfectly seared chicken, making each bite a harmonious blend of savory goodness. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress anyone who sits down to the table.

With its rich, comforting flavors, **Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms** is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe for satisfying, soul-warming meals. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how irresistible this dish can be!