SMOTHERED CHICKEN WITH CREAMED SPINACH BACON AND MUSHROOMS

A Mediterranean Twist: Smothered Chicken with Creamy Spinach, Bacon & Mushrooms

Ditch the takeout menus and indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Smothered Chicken with Creamy Spinach, Bacon & Mushrooms! This dish is a perfect example of healthy and flavorful coming together in perfect harmony. It's packed with protein from the chicken, boasts a creamy and cheesy spinach sauce, and features the delightful savory notes of bacon and caramelized mushrooms. Plus, it's easy to prepare, gluten-free, and low-carb, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that caters to a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients to Build Your Mediterranean Masterpiece (Serves 4):

• The Protein Powerhouse:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base of this dish. Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
• The Creamy Dream Team:
• 4 ounces fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color, essential nutrients, and a fresh flavor to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the creamed spinach with a fragrant garlicky note.
• 1 cup half and half: Creates a rich and creamy base for the spinach sauce.
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides a gooey and melty texture, taking the creamed spinach to a whole new level.
• The Savory Symphony:
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms: Sauteed until beautifully caramelized, these add an earthy depth of flavor.
• 4 slices cooked and chopped bacon: Contributes a salty and smoky taste that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Consider using pre-cooked bacon for added convenience.
• 4 ounces Pepper Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack with Jalapenos, optional): This cheese, with its hint of spice, adds a delightful kick to the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute with regular Monterey Jack cheese.
• Other Necessities:
• Salt and lemon pepper seasoning to taste: Seasoning for the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sauteing the spinach and mushrooms.
• Paprika (optional): A sprinkle adds a touch of smokiness to the chicken.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mediterranean Delight:

1. Preheat and Prep: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Seasoning the Chicken: Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and a sprinkle of paprika (optional) for extra flavor.
3. Baking the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your greased baking dish, laying them flat side down. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, allowing them to cook through.
4. Creamy Spinach Symphony: While the chicken bakes, it's time to create the creamy spinach, the heart of this dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, throw in the fresh spinach and cook it covered for just 1-2 minutes, until it's wilted and heated through. Don't overcook the spinach, as it will lose its vibrant green color.
5. Garlic, Half and Half, and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the minced garlic and half and half. Bring this mixture to a boil, then add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring over high heat for about 30 seconds, or until the cheese starts to melt. Reduce the heat to simmer and continue stirring for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until you have a smooth and creamy spinach sauce. Season with salt to your taste.
6. Caramelized Mushroom Magic: In a separate pan, heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them for 1-2 minutes, or until they are beautifully caramelized. Here's a tip – hold off on salting the mushrooms until after they are cooked, as salt can draw out their moisture and prevent them from achieving a nice caramelization.
7. Smothering Time!: Now that all the components are ready, it's time to assemble the dish like a culinary masterpiece. Take the chicken out of the oven after its initial baking time (15-20 minutes). Top each chicken breast with a generous dollop of the creamy spinach sauce, crumbled cooked bacon, cooked and caramelized mushrooms, and finally, a few broken pieces of pepper jack cheese.
8. The Grand Finale: Place the assembled casserole back into the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking through (no longer pink in the center, with clear juices running out), the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the cheese to get all melty and gooey on top.
9. Optional Broiling: For an extra touch of crispness on the cheese topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-4 minutes of baking time. Just keep a close eye on it under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning. Trust your instincts and take it out when the cheese reaches a delightful golden brown color.
10. Dinner is Served!: Once the chicken is cooked through, take your Smothered Chicken with Creamy Spinach, Bacon & Mushrooms out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the cheese to set and prevents burns. Plate your delicious and healthy creation and enjoy it alongside your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa.

Tips and Variations:

• Spinach Power: If you prefer a thicker spinach sauce, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water to the creamed spinach mixture before adding the cheese. This will create a slight thickening effect.
• Double the Batch: This recipe easily doubles to feed a larger crowd. Simply use an even bigger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly, if necessary.
• Leftovers Reimagined: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Veggie Bonanza: Feel free to add other chopped vegetables to the mix, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes, for extra color, flavor, and nutrients. Saute them along with the mushrooms for added goodness.
• Dietary Twists: If you're following a dairy-free diet, you can use vegan cheese alternatives for the mozzarella and pepper jack cheese. There are also dairy-free half and half substitutes available on the market.

With a little creativity and these tips, you can easily customize your Smothered Chicken with Creamy Spinach, Bacon & Mushrooms to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. So ditch the bland and embrace the flavorful – this Mediterranean-inspired dish is sure to become a new weeknight favorite!