Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon And Mushrooms

### How to Make Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

#### 1. **Prepare the Chicken**
Start by preparing the chicken for the perfect sear.

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Keep it covered to stay warm while you prepare the sauce.

#### 2. **Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms**
Now it’s time to bring in the smoky bacon and earthy mushrooms.

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once crispy, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
3. In the same skillet (with the bacon drippings), add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften and start to brown.
4. Season the mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper as they cook.

#### 3. **Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce**
It’s time to bring the creaminess to this dish.

1. Add the spinach to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder (if using), and cream cheese. Let the cream cheese melt into the sauce for added richness.
4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You can also add a bit more cream cheese for extra creaminess if desired.

#### 4. **Combine and Serve**
Now it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach, bacon, and mushroom sauce.
2. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully smothered. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
3. Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce is rich and creamy, garnish with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor.
4. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple green salad.

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### Tips for the Perfect Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

1. **Sear the Chicken Well:** Be sure to get a nice golden-brown crust on the chicken when searing. This not only adds flavor but also helps lock in the moisture for a juicy chicken breast.
2. **Use Fresh Spinach:** Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and gives the sauce a rich texture. If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery sauce.
3. **Add More Flavor with Garlic:** If you love garlic, feel free to add a couple of cloves of minced garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
4. **Customize with Extra Veggies:** Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, to the sauce for more variety.
5. **Cheese Variation:** For a different twist, try swapping the Parmesan for a sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a gooier, more decadent sauce.

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### Why You Should Try Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

**Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms** is a dish that truly has it all—flavor, richness, and comfort. The savory chicken is perfectly complemented by the creamy, earthy sauce, and the crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch that makes every bite irresistible. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a special meal at home.

With its rich flavors and luxurious sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. So go ahead and treat yourself to this indulgent yet simple dish—you won’t regret it!