Prepare Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet. Add the mushrooms and onion, sautéing until the mushrooms are golden and the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Make the Creamed Spinach: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cooked bacon, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and vegetables over them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Cook Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of flour to thicken.
Variations
- Turkey or Pork: Substitute chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or pork chops for a different take on this dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu steaks for a vegetarian version.
Keto Version
This dish is naturally keto-friendly, focusing on high-fat, low-carb ingredients.
Low-Carb Version
The recipe as is provides a low-carb meal option, suitable for those on a low-carb diet.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (assuming 4 servings per recipe):
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 880mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 55g
Enjoy your meal preparation and delight in the rich flavors of this Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms—a true celebration of taste and comfort on a plate.
