Creamy Spinach, Bacon, and Mushroom Smothered Chicken

Ingredients:

Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1.5 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast (4 small or 2 large, halved)
• Salt
• ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Creamed Spinach:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 10 oz fresh spinach
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅔ cup half and half
• ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 slices Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare Chicken:
   • Butter the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Season chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika.
   • Place chicken in the greased baking dish, flat side down, and bake for 15-20 minutes at 375°F.
3. Make Creamed Spinach:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet on medium heat.
   • Add spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, covered, until heated and wilted.
   • Remove from heat and add minced garlic and half and half. Bring to a boil.
   • Stir in shredded mozzarella until melted, creating a smooth creamed spinach. Season with salt. Remove from heat.
4. Cook Mushrooms:
   • In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
   • Add sliced mushrooms and cook on high-medium heat for 1-2 minutes until caramelized. Avoid salting mushrooms to promote caramelization.
5. Smothered Chicken Assembly:
   • Remove partially cooked chicken from the oven.
   • Top each chicken breast with creamed spinach, chopped bacon, cooked mushrooms, and slices of Pepper Jack cheese.
   • Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
   • Optionally, broil for 2-4 minutes to achieve a golden cheese topping, taking care not to burn it.

Indulge in the creamy, flavorful goodness of this Creamy Spinach, Bacon, and Mushroom Smothered Chicken – a delightful dish that marries the richness of chicken with the savory delights of spinach, bacon, and mushrooms.