Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

Name: Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 slices of bacon, chopped; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work great); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Posted on May 11, 2025

Smothered Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce with Bacon, Spinach, and Mushrooms

Dinner

Jump to Recipe

Craving something cozy, creamy, and downright irresistible? This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is pure comfort food in every bite. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts are topped with a rich, savory mix of sautéed mushrooms, smoky bacon, and creamy spinach—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. It’s quick enough for busy nights but fancy enough for when you want something a little extra. Plus, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a favorite for all kinds of eaters!

Table of Contents

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

This smothered chicken is a total flavor bomb! The combination of crispy bacon, garlicky mushrooms, and creamy spinach takes simple chicken breasts to a whole new level. It’s made in one pan (hello, easy cleanup!) and comes together in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce is rich but not too heavy, and you can pair it with just about anything from mashed potatoes to cauliflower rice. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, flavorful ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, savory smothered chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices of bacon, chopped
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work great)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added warmth)

Instructions

This smothered chicken recipe is super simple and all made in one skillet. Let’s get cooking:

Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Bacon
- In the same skillet, add chopped bacon.
- Cook until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Make the Creamed Spinach
- Add spinach to the skillet. Cook until wilted (or heated through if using frozen).
- Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Bring It All Together
- Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet. Spoon the creamy mushroom-spinach sauce over the chicken.
- Let everything simmer together for 3–4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Serve
- Serve hot with your favorite side dish!

Servings and Timing

This dish is ideal for a cozy dinner or a quick family meal. It’s filling, flavorful, and works well for both weeknights and special occasions.

Servings: Makes 4 generous servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some tasty tweaks and helpful tips:

Swap the Protein: Try boneless chicken thighs or even pork chops for a twist.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Add a Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice heat if you like spice.
Go Veggie-Heavy: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Serve it Over: Mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, pasta, or even toast—yes, toast!
Make it Extra Cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella or gouda for a cheesier sauce.

Storage

Leftovers? Lucky you—this dish tastes even better the next day!

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Freeze: You can freeze it, but the creamy sauce may separate a bit when thawed. If freezing, let cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure it’s thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

2. What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook everything, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.

4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in fats, making it great for keto lifestyles.

5. Can I make this without bacon?
Sure! You can skip the bacon or replace it with turkey bacon or pancetta.

6. What kind of mushrooms should I use?
Button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms all work beautifully.

7. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Conclusion

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is everything you want in a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and sure to impress anyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding your family, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a total keeper.

Pin1

1 Shares