This Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms. The addition of fresh spinach brings a pop of color and a hint of freshness, balancing the richness of the dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant meal, this recipe is easy to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, cook bacon slices until crispy. Remove and chop.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, thyme, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Chicken
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them.
- Cook for 5 more minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped bacon and extra Parmesan.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions & Tips
- Pair with garlic bread or buttery mashed potatoes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
This Sautéed Chicken with Creamy Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a decadent yet simple dish that’s sure to impress. Would you like variations or additional cooking tips? 🍽️🥓🍄