Delight your taste buds with this easy-to-follow recipe for Bacon and Spinach Smothered Chicken. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are oven-baked to perfection and then adorned with a rich creamed spinach, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and gooey pepper jack cheese. Let’s embark on this culinary journey.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease the bottom of a baking dish, choosing one that comfortably accommodates your chicken. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and a touch of paprika. Place them in the baking dish, flat side down, and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re cooked through.
While the chicken bakes, prepare the creamed spinach. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add fresh spinach, and cook briefly until wilted. Introduce minced garlic and half and half, bringing the mixture to a boil. Stir in shredded mozzarella until melted, creating a smooth, creamy spinach. Season to taste with salt and set aside. In a separate pan, caramelize sliced mushrooms in vegetable oil over high-medium heat, ensuring a rich flavor without adding salt.
Once the chicken has baked, it’s time to assemble this savory masterpiece. Top each chicken breast with a generous portion of the creamed spinach, followed by chopped cooked bacon, caramelized mushrooms, and slices of pepper jack cheese. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. For an extra touch, broil for 2-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese achieves a golden, bubbly perfection without burning.