Introduction

Smothered Chicken is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with crispy bacon and fresh spinach. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying home-cooked meal.

The image shows a pan filled with four pieces of golden-brown chicken breasts partially covered in a thick, creamy white sauce. The sauce has green spinach leaves and small chopped red bits, likely bacon or ham, scattered throughout. The chicken is slightly browned and has a textured surface from searing, while the sauce looks smooth and rich, pooling around the chicken. There are also some fresh green herbs sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth featuring black writing partially visible under the pan's handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 strips bacon
2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 fillets)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
4 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 tablespoons finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
7-8 garlic cloves (smashed)
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups chicken stock (broth)
1 cup half and half or heavy cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5 ounces (150 grams) baby spinach
Fresh sage leaves and parsley to garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a pan or skillet over medium heat. Fry bacon until crispy on both sides; transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
Step 3: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and Parmesan cheese. Dredge the chicken in this mixture, shaking off any excess.
Step 4: In the same pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel to remove any browned bits.
Step 6: Smash garlic cloves with the blunt edge of a knife.
Step 7: Add the butter and smashed garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 8: Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of flour over the butter and garlic, whisking continuously until smooth and lightly browned.
Step 9: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and half and half in small increments, ensuring the sauce stays smooth. The gravy will thicken as it cooks.
Step 10: Season the gravy with salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 11: Add the baby spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 12: Return the chicken fillets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
Step 13: Chop the crispy bacon and add it to the pan as well.
Step 14: Cover the pan partially (or leave uncovered if you prefer a thicker gravy) and cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 15: Garnish with fresh sage leaves and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in lemon juice before seasoning.
Substitute kale or Swiss chard for the spinach if preferred.
Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version of the dish.
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage

Store leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken stock or cream while reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: steamed green beans at the top, bright green and smooth in texture; mashed potatoes on the right side, creamy and pale yellow, topped with a thick creamy sauce flecked with black pepper and fresh spinach leaves; and on the left side, a grilled chicken breast with a browned, slightly crispy surface, covered with the same creamy sauce mixed with spinach and bits of bacon, garnished with chopped green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before preparing the dish for even cooking and best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative instead of half and half. Omit Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute in the flour mixture.