Smothered Chicken and Mushrooms is a classic comfort dish featuring tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce. This delightful meal provides warmth and satisfaction, perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to make
- Rich and flavorful
- Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, skinless, boneless (4 small chicken breast or 2 large chicken breast, halved)
- Salt
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Creamed Spinach:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 10 oz spinach, fresh
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅔ cup half and half
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked, chopped
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Skillet
- Baking dish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the vegetable oil and sauté the mushrooms until they are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the fresh spinach and minced garlic. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the half and half and mozzarella cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Top each chicken breast with the cooked mushrooms, chopped bacon, and a slice of Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the smothered chicken and mushrooms hot, with the creamy spinach sauce spooned over the top.
Tips and Variations:
- For a healthier version, use turkey bacon and low-fat cheese.
- Add chopped onions to the mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
Storing Leftovers:
- Store any leftover smothered chicken and mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken and mushrooms in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Food and Drink Pairings:
- Serve smothered chicken and mushrooms with mashed potatoes and a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain the spinach before using it in the recipe.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. Cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda would all work well in this recipe.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.
Call to Action:
Try this mouth-watering recipe for smothered chicken and mushrooms tonight! It’s sure to be a new family favorite.