Name: Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter; 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 small or 2 large halved); Salt, to taste; ¼ tsp lemon pepper seasoning; ¼ tsp paprika; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 10 oz fresh spinach; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ⅔ cup half-and-half; ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 oz mushrooms, sliced; 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped; 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack with jalapeños)

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Are you searching for a wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying dinner idea that’s both gluten-free and low-carb? Look no further!

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

This Smothered Chicken recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, creamy spinach, crispy bacon, caramelized mushrooms, and gooey Pepper Jack cheese for a meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers on taste and comfort without compromising on nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Smothered Chicken recipe is not just delicious—it’s versatile and easy to prepare. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, while the low-carb profile ensures it fits into various dietary plans. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities. With just under an hour of total prep and cook time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready to serve in no time.

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approximately 4 small or 2 large breasts, halved)
Salt to taste
¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamed Spinach:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
10 ounces fresh spinach
4 cloves garlic, minced
⅔ cup half-and-half
⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Additional Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
4 slices Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the bottom of a baking dish (approximately 13x9x4 inches) with butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Place them flat-side down in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15–20 minutes in the preheated oven. While the chicken is partially cooking, you can prepare the other components of the dish.

Step 3: Make the Creamed Spinach

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cover, allowing it to cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Once the spinach is heated through, remove from heat and stir in minced garlic and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir vigorously on high heat until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy consistency. Reduce heat to a simmer and season with salt to taste. Set aside.

Step 4: Caramelize the Mushrooms

In a separate skillet, heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 1–2 minutes until they begin to caramelize. Avoid adding salt at this stage—salt can draw out moisture from the mushrooms and prevent them from caramelizing properly. Set aside once done.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Remove the partially cooked chicken from the oven. Layer each chicken breast with an even spread of creamed spinach, followed by chopped bacon and caramelized mushrooms. Top each breast with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese for that irresistible cheesy finish.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the assembled chicken to the oven and bake, uncovered, for another 15–20 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked—no longer pink in the center—with juices running clear. If desired, broil for the last 2–4 minutes to brown the cheese topping slightly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Tips for Success

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, high-quality cheese, and flavorful bacon make all the difference in this recipe.
Monitor Baking Times: Overcooking chicken can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Customize Your Cheese: While Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used for a milder flavor.
Don’t Skip Broiling: Broiling at the end adds a beautiful golden color and enhances the cheesy topping.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Smothered Chicken with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you’re not strictly low-carb, you can serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice pilaf for added comfort.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This dish is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of rich flavors and satisfying textures. The creamy spinach complements the savory mushrooms and crispy bacon perfectly, while the melted Pepper Jack cheese ties everything together with its bold flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this Smothered Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Closing Thoughts

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be delicious. With this Smothered Chicken recipe, you’ll create a dish that feels indulgent but fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle. So grab your apron and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this restaurant-worthy meal at home!

Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Happy cooking!

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Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms