Easy Smothered Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Spinach Smothered Chicken is the epitome of comfort food. Juicy, seasoned chicken fillets are seared to golden perfection before being enveloped in a rich, velvety gravy infused with fresh garlic, baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese. The addition of crispy bacon brings an irresistible crunch and smoky depth, making every bite pure indulgence.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of rice to soak up every drop of the luscious garlic-spinach sauce. This easy smothered chicken is sure to become a family favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

6 strips bacon
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to make 4 fillets)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon pepper
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 tbsp finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese
4 tbsp vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
7-8 garlic cloves, smashed
3 tbsp flour
1 ½ cups chicken stock
1 cup half and half or heavy cream
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
5 oz baby spinach
Fresh sage leaves and parsley for garnish

Directions:

Prepare the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken fillets with salt, garlic powder, and lemon pepper.
Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour and Parmesan cheese. Dredge the chicken fillets in the mixture, shaking off any excess.
Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in the same skillet. Sear the chicken on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Prepare the Garlic: Smash the garlic cloves to release their oils.
Make the Gravy: Wipe the skillet clean and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Thicken the Sauce: Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Gradually add chicken stock and half and half, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in onion powder and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the Spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine Everything: Return the chicken fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Chop the bacon and sprinkle it over the top. Let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh sage leaves and parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Garlic Spinach Smothered Chicken: A Comforting and Flavor-Packed Dish

Few dishes embody comfort food as perfectly as Creamy Garlic Spinach Smothered Chicken. This dish brings together juicy, pan-seared chicken fillets, a luscious garlic infused cream sauce, crispy bacon, and tender spinach for a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

What Makes This Smothered Chicken Recipe Special?

Smothered chicken has long been a beloved dish in Southern cuisine, traditionally featuring bone-in chicken pieces cooked in a hearty gravy. This version takes that classic comfort food and elevates it with the addition of garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy sauce that coats each piece of chicken beautifully.

One of the standout features of this dish is its balance of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon provides a smoky crunch, the golden-seared chicken offers a juicy bite, and the smooth, garlicky cream sauce ties everything together. The addition of fresh spinach brings both color and nutrients, making it not just a tasty dish but also a wholesome one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in a single skillet, reducing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, bacon, and Parmesan creates a decadent sauce that enhances the chicken beautifully.
Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients based on dietary needs or personal preferences.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about Creamy Garlic Spinach Smothered Chicken is its versatility when it comes to serving options. While the dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can make it even more satisfying.

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes.
Steamed Rice: White or brown rice makes a great base to soak up all the delicious gravy.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus adds a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Pasta: If you’re a pasta lover, serving this smothered chicken over fettuccine or penne can create a luxurious meal.

For those looking to keep things low carb, you can swap out traditional sides for alternatives like mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles, which pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Customization Ideas and Variations

This recipe is fantastic as-is, but you can easily customize it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ways you can modify the dish:

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
Use Different Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, swap it for kale or Swiss chard for a slightly different flavor profile.
Try Different Cheeses: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce, but you can experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even feta for a unique twist.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy free cream alternative to create a lactose-free version without sacrificing the creamy texture.
Protein Substitutions: While chicken is the star of the dish, you can use turkey cutlets or even thick-cut pork chops as an alternative.

The Secret to Perfectly Smothered Chicken

A few key cooking techniques will ensure that your smothered chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Properly Season the Chicken: The combination of garlic powder, salt, and lemon pepper enhances the flavor of the chicken before it even touches the skillet.
Dredge the Chicken in Flour and Parmesan: This not only helps create a golden crust on the chicken but also adds depth to the flavor of the final dish.
Don’t Rush the Searing Process: Achieving a good sear on the chicken ensures that it remains juicy inside while developing a flavorful crust.
Gradually Add the Liquid for the Sauce: Pouring in the chicken stock and cream slowly while whisking prevents lumps and helps achieve a smooth, velvety sauce.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently helps all the flavors meld together beautifully without breaking the cream.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored for later use. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.
Freezing: The sauce contains dairy, which can sometimes separate when frozen, but if you do decide to freeze it, let it cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on low heat while stirring.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the chicken by seasoning and searing it in advance. Store it separately from the sauce and finish cooking it in the sauce when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Spinach Smothered Chicken is the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. With its rich garlic infused sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, it’s a dish that will impress both family and guests alike.

Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening or looking for a satisfying yet simple dinner, this recipe delivers on every level. It’s one of those meals that proves that cooking at home can be just as delicious (if not more so) than eating out. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

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