Looking for a creamy, hearty meal that’s easy to make but feels like a restaurant-quality dish? Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that hits all the right notes. Tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach come together in a luscious, creamy sauce that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
The best part? It all comes together in just 45 minutes, and you only need one skillet. Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a little indulgence. Let’s jump into how to make this decadent dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Incredible Flavor Combo: The smoky bacon, tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce create a perfect balance of flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will fall in love with this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 6 strips bacon – Cut into small pieces for crispy, smoky goodness.
- 2 large chicken breasts – Sliced in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces (for even cooking).
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Adds a hint of flavor to the chicken.
- Pepper, to taste – For seasoning.
- Flour, as needed – Lightly dredge the chicken for a golden crust.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – To sauté the mushrooms if the skillet dries out.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms – Sliced and sautéed for earthy depth.
- 1/3 cup chicken broth – Deglazes the pan and adds flavor.
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar – For a touch of acidity and richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The base of the luxurious sauce.
For the Greens:
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach – Loosely packed; it wilts beautifully into the sauce.
How to Make Smothered Chicken
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a creamy, comforting dinner that your family will adore:
1. Cook the Bacon
In a deep skillet, cook the bacon pieces over medium-high heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. (This will add incredible flavor to the chicken and sauce.)
2. Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder and pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour. This gives the chicken a golden crust when cooked.
3. Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side over medium-high heat, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms
If the skillet is dry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and the moisture has evaporated. Remove the mushrooms and set them aside with the chicken and bacon.
5. Create the Sauce Base
To the same skillet, add the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is where the flavor lives!). Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until reduced by half.
6. Add the Cream
Stir in the heavy cream, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
7. Combine Everything
Return the chicken, bacon, and mushrooms to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Finish with Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach, lifting the chicken slightly to help it wilt evenly. The spinach will only take a minute or two to soften and blend into the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be paired with so many sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Over Pasta: The creamy sauce is perfect for tossing with fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- With Rice: Steamed white or brown rice makes a great base for this dish.
- With Crusty Bread: Use the bread to mop up every last drop of the sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a bit!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and mushrooms give this dish the best flavor. Frozen spinach may release too much liquid and dilute the sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken or mushrooms, make sure they’re in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Make It Your Own: Add sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They’re juicier and add a slightly richer flavor.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dish up to the point where everything is combined in the skillet. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half. Keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich or thick.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, asparagus, or even peas would make great additions to this dish.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 41g
Final Thoughts
This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish that you can easily whip up at home in under an hour. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this one-pan meal is sure to be a hit.
Ready to treat yourself? Grab your skillet and start cooking. Dinner just got a whole lot better!