Rich Creamy Smothered Chicken Spinach (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
02 - 680 grams skinless, boneless chicken breast (approx. 2 large or 4 small, halved)
03 - Salt, to taste
04 - 0.25 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
05 - 0.25 teaspoon paprika

→ For the Creamed Spinach

06 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
07 - 280 grams fresh spinach
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 160 millilitres half-and-half
10 - 80 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded

→ Additional Ingredients

11 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
12 - 115 grams mushrooms, sliced
13 - 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
14 - 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 190°C. Grease the bottom of a 33 x 23-centimetre baking dish with butter.
02 - Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared dish, flat side down. Bake for 15–20 minutes.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach, cover, and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Add minced garlic and half-and-half, then bring mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and cook over high heat until melted and creamy. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
04 - In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Do not salt to retain proper caramelization.
05 - Remove chicken from the oven. Top each piece with an even layer of creamed spinach, followed by mushrooms and crumbled bacon. Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on each portion. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
06 - For a golden crust, broil the dish for 2–4 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Thick-cut bacon provides extra texture and flavor; cook until crisp for optimal contrast with the creamy spinach.
02 - Pepper Jack cheese lends a spicy edge, but substituting with mozzarella or provolone results in a milder profile.
03 - To retain vibrant color and nutrients, avoid overcooking the spinach; wilt briefly before adding dairy ingredients.
04 - Allowing the chicken to rest out of the oven for a few minutes before serving achieves juicier results.
05 - Broiling at the end adds visual appeal and a lightly crispy cheese topping.

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