This sautéed chicken with creamy spinach, bacon, and mushrooms is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe. The combination of smoky, earthy, and creamy flavors makes it a comforting dish, perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A quick and simple one-pan meal.
- The blend of chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and bacon creates an irresistible texture and flavor.
- Adaptable for different diets: low-carb, gluten-free, or served with pasta or rice for a heartier dish.
- Perfect for both an elegant dinner and an easy everyday meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips or cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon & Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Remove the bacon and leave the bacon fat in the pan.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté until golden and tender.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir well and let the sauce thicken slightly over medium heat.
4. Add Spinach & Chicken
- Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
- Return the chicken and crispy bacon to the pan.
- Cook everything together for 2-3 more minutes.
- If desired, add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter option.
Variations & Tips
- Low-carb option: Serve this dish with cauliflower rice or enjoy it as is.
- Protein swaps: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or replace chicken with shrimp.
- More veggies: Add asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Extra cheesy: For a richer sauce, add more Parmesan or some cream cheese.
Serving Size & Prep Time
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the texture of the cream and spinach.
FAQ
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken it, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water.
What type of mushrooms work best?
White mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but sliced portobello also works well.
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with prosciutto or pancetta.
What other cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
You can try mozzarella, Gouda, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
Can I substitute spinach with another vegetable?
Yes, Swiss chard or kale are great alternatives.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, but the chicken will be more shredded. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s a great low-carb option.
What side dishes pair well with this dish?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are great choices.
Can I add a spicy kick to this dish?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
Conclusion
This sautéed chicken with creamy spinach, bacon, and mushrooms is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. The creamy texture, crispy bacon, and rich mushroom flavor make it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Try it and enjoy it with your favorite side dish!
4o
PrintSautéed Chicken with Creamy Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
A quick and easy one-pan sautéed chicken dish with creamy spinach, crispy bacon, and mushrooms. Perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free, or comforting dinner option.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips or cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon & Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and leave the fat in the pan.
- Add mushrooms and sauté until golden and tender.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let the sauce thicken slightly over medium heat.
4. Add Spinach & Chicken
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor, if desired.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or enjoy on its own.
- Protein swaps: Use chicken thighs or shrimp instead of chicken breasts.
- More veggies: Add asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Extra cheesy: Add more Parmesan or mix in some cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy chicken skillet, keto chicken recipe, one-pan chicken dinner, sautéed chicken with spinach, easy chicken with mushrooms