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Smothered Chicken & Creamed Spinach

Gluten-free and low-carb Mediterranean-style chicken smothered in creamy spinach, bacon, caramelized mushrooms, and melted Pepper Jack. This protein-packed, easy-bake dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Baking dish (approx. 13 x 9 x 4 inches)
  • large skillet
  • Separate frying pan for mushrooms

Ingredients
  

Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the dish
  • 1.5 lb chicken breast skinless, boneless (about 4 small breasts or 2 large breasts, halved)
  • salt to season
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Creamed Spinach:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 10 oz fresh spinach
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2/3 cup half and half
  • 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • salt to taste

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking mushrooms
  • 4 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 4 slices bacon cooked and chopped
  • 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack with jalapeños, broken into pieces
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Instructions
 

For Chicken:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter the bottom of a suitable baking dish (about 13 x 9 x 4 inches).
  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Place the breasts flat-side down in the prepared dish.
  • Bake the chicken uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until it begins to set but is not completely cooked through.

For Creamed Spinach:

  • While the chicken bakes, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach, cover, and cook 1–2 minutes until it wilts and is heated through.
  • Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the minced garlic and the half-and-half, then return to medium-high to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Add the shredded mozzarella and stir continuously until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth, about 30–60 seconds. Lower the heat and simmer briefly to thicken, season with salt to taste, then remove from heat.

For Mushrooms:

  • In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook 1–2 minutes without salting so they can caramelize evenly.

Smothered Chicken Assembly:

  • Remove the partially baked chicken from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of creamed spinach over each breast, then top with chopped bacon, the caramelized mushrooms, and broken slices of Pepper Jack cheese.
  • Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. If you want browned cheese, broil for 2–4 minutes at the end—watch closely to prevent burning.