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## **How to Make Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
Start by seasoning your **chicken breasts** with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
### **Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms**
In the same skillet, add the **chopped bacon** and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, add the **sliced mushrooms** to the pan and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon and mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.
### **Step 3: Make the Creamed Spinach Sauce**
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add **butter** (or olive oil) and minced **garlic**, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the **cream cheese** and **heavy cream** to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Add the **spinach** and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts down. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
### **Step 4: Smother the Chicken**
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the **creamed spinach sauce** over the top. Add the crispy **bacon and mushrooms** on top of the chicken and sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 3-5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
Serve the smothered chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. The creamy spinach sauce combined with the savory bacon and mushrooms creates a meal that’s both hearty and indulgent.
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## **Tips for Success**
– **Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs**: If you prefer a juicier cut of chicken, try using **boneless, skinless chicken thighs** instead of breasts. They tend to stay more moist and tender.
– **Spinach**: While fresh spinach is ideal for the creamed spinach sauce, you can also use frozen spinach. Just be sure to drain any excess water from the frozen spinach before adding it to the sauce.
– **Add Cheese**: For an extra cheesy flavor, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce just before serving.
– **Adjust the Creaminess**: If you want a thicker sauce, add more cream cheese or reduce the cream. For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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## **Why This Recipe Works**
This recipe is the perfect balance of **savory, creamy, and hearty**. The **chicken** is juicy and flavorful, the **creamed spinach** brings a rich, velvety texture, and the **bacon and mushrooms** add depth and a smoky, umami flavor. It’s a combination that pleases both the eyes and the palate.
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## **Final Thoughts**
**Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms** is the ultimate comfort food, delivering layers of flavor in every bite. It’s a simple dish that feels special and is sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Try it tonight, and see why it’s destined to become a family favorite!
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