Creamy Bacon Mushroom Chicken with Spinach 🥓🍄🍗
This rich and flavorful dish combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy spinach-infused sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
For the Main Dish:
- 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Black pepper to taste
- Flour (as needed, for dredging)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon pieces until crispy, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour (shake off excess).
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
- If the skillet appears dry, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 6–8 minutes until browned and the water has evaporated.
- Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.
4. Make the Sauce:
- Add the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar to the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits (these add flavor!).
- Let the mixture simmer until reduced by half, about 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
5. Combine and Finish:
- Return the chicken, bacon, and mushrooms to the skillet. Let them simmer gently in the creamy sauce for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Stir in the fresh baby spinach, lifting the chicken pieces slightly to help the spinach wilt evenly. This will take about 1–2 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the chicken and spoon the creamy sauce, mushrooms, and spinach over the top.
- Serve hot with your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
Notes and Variations:
- Protein Option: For a richer taste, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Add-Ins: Enhance the dish with sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
- Vegetable Substitutes: You can substitute spinach with kale, arugula, or even asparagus if preferred.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of bacon, mushrooms, and creamy sauce is irresistible.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe with your favorite ingredients or add-ins.
Prepare this indulgent dish tonight and enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite! 🍽️