Creamy bacon mushroom chicken dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
02 -
2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
03 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
04 -
Black pepper, to taste
05 -
All-purpose flour, for dredging
06 -
1 tbsp olive oil
07 -
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
08 -
1/3 cup chicken broth
09 -
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
10 -
1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
11 -
2 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
# Instructions:
01 -
In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces until they're nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, but leave about 2 tablespoons of that flavorful bacon fat in the skillet.
02 -
Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally (lengthwise) to create 4 thinner pieces. Season them with garlic powder and black pepper, then lightly coat them in flour. Cook the chicken in the bacon fat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
03 -
If the skillet is looking dry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for 6-8 minutes until they're nicely browned and all their liquid has evaporated. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken and bacon.
04 -
Pour the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let this mixture simmer until it's reduced by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
05 -
Stir the heavy cream into the reduced broth mixture. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
06 -
Return the cooked chicken, crispy bacon pieces, and sautéed mushrooms to the skillet. Let everything simmer together in the creamy sauce for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld and the chicken can absorb some of the sauce.
07 -
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, gently lifting the chicken pieces so the spinach can get underneath and wilt evenly in the hot sauce. This will only take a minute or two.
08 -
Serve this creamy smothered chicken hot with your choice of sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
# Notes:
01 -
This one-pan dish combines the rich flavors of bacon, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce with tender chicken and nutritious spinach.
02 -
For a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
03 -
Add sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth and heat.