This Easy Smothered Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, featuring crispy bacon, juicy chicken breasts, and a rich, creamy garlic spinach gravy. 🍗🥓 The savory flavors of Parmesan-coated chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and fresh herbs make this dish a delightful dinner option for any night of the week. It’s an easy-to-make, flavor-packed meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

6 strips bacon
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved 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)

For the Gravy:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
7-8 garlic cloves, smashed
3 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup half & half (or heavy cream)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5 oz baby spinach
Fresh sage leaves and parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Fry the bacon until crispy, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt for extra flavor.
Dredge the chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour and Parmesan cheese. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, shaking off any excess.
Sear the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
Prepare the gravy: Wipe the skillet clean, then melt butter over medium heat. Add smashed garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Gradually add chicken broth and half & half, whisking constantly until thickened. Season with onion powder and Italian seasoning.
Add spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes).
Combine everything: Return the chicken fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Chop the bacon and sprinkle on top. Partially cover the skillet and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Garnish and serve: Finish with fresh sage leaves and parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrients

Calories: 498 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 43g
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 165mg
Sodium: 900mg
Sugar: 2g

This Easy Smothered Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. The crispy bacon, creamy gravy, and juicy chicken create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make!

The Perfect Balance of Crispy and Creamy

What makes Easy Smothered Chicken truly special is the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken fillets. Each chicken piece is coated in Parmesan cheese, which not only gives the chicken a crispy outer layer but also imparts a rich, savory flavor that complements the creamy gravy.

The gravy itself is a luxurious addition. Made with a base of butter, garlic, and flour, it’s both velvety and comforting. The inclusion of chicken broth and half-and-half (or heavy cream) makes it incredibly rich and smooth, while the baby spinach adds a pop of color and a mild, earthy taste. Together, these ingredients create a mouthwatering dish that feels both indulgent and balanced.

A Flavor-Packed Chicken Dish

The seasoning in Easy Smothered Chicken elevates the chicken to new heights. The combination of lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt infuses the chicken fillets with just the right amount of zest, ensuring that each bite is flavorful. The Parmesan cheese coating provides both flavor and texture, giving the chicken a golden, crispy exterior that contrasts with the tender and juicy interior.

When seared in a hot skillet, the chicken becomes perfectly crispy, while the inside remains moist and tender, thanks to the searing process locking in the juices. The bacon, which is cooked until crispy, is crumbled on top of the chicken before the gravy is added, giving the dish a wonderful savory crunch.

The Creamy Garlic Spinach Gravy

The heart of the dish lies in the garlic spinach gravy. The gravy is made by sautéing smashed garlic in butter, then whisking in flour to create a roux. The chicken broth and half-and-half (or heavy cream) are gradually added, making the gravy thick and creamy. This combination creates a smooth, rich sauce that envelops the chicken, adding a luxurious touch to each bite.

The addition of onion powder and Italian seasoning enhances the flavor of the gravy, infusing it with fragrant herbs and spices. The spinach adds not only color but also a slight bitterness that balances out the richness of the sauce. It wilts quickly, becoming tender and seamlessly blending into the gravy.

A Quick and Easy Dinner Option

One of the best things about Easy Smothered Chicken is how quick and easy it is to make. Unlike many other comfort food recipes, this dish doesn’t require hours of preparation. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. The chicken breasts are seared in a hot skillet and then smothered in the flavorful gravy, creating a dish that is both satisfying and quick to prepare.

This meal is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It also makes an excellent dish for meal prep, as the chicken, gravy, and vegetables can be made in advance and reheated for easy meals throughout the week.

Perfect Pairings for Smothered Chicken

While Easy Smothered Chicken is delicious on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. The rich and creamy gravy, along with the savory bacon, calls for sides that can soak up the sauce and provide a nice contrast in texture. Here are some ideas for pairing:

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for the gravy, allowing you to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Rice: Steamed rice is another great option, as it absorbs the gravy beautifully, creating a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Steamed Vegetables: If you’re looking to add some extra vegetables to your meal, steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli make excellent companions, providing a bit of freshness and crunch.

For a lighter option, consider serving the chicken with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables, which will add brightness and contrast to the richness of the dish.

Customizing Your Easy Smothered Chicken

Easy Smothered Chicken is a versatile recipe that can be customized in many ways to suit your preferences. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the gravy can give the dish a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor of the gravy.

For those who prefer a different type of cheese, you can swap out the Parmesan cheese for cheddar or Mozzarella. Additionally, if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for the cream and cheese.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Although Easy Smothered Chicken is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, it’s also special enough to be served at family gatherings or holiday meals. The crispy chicken, savory gravy, and flavorful bacon make it an impressive dish that will wow your guests without requiring hours of prep work. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a holiday feast, or a casual get-together, this dish will surely become a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal

In conclusion, Easy Smothered Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy garlic spinach gravy to create a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Its quick preparation and rich flavors make it the perfect option for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite in no time.

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