Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Baking Tips

Don't skip the searing step - it creates incredible flavor in the sauce

Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor

Let cream cheese come to room temperature for smooth incorporation

Don't let the sauce boil once cream is added - keep it at a gentle simmer

Fresh spinach wilts quickly - add it at the very end

Let the dish rest before serving to allow sauce to thicken properly

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked

Save some bacon fat for extra flavor if desired

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Rich & Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Bacon

Name: Rich & Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Southern-American
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds); 2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 3 tablespoons olive oil; For the Bacon and Vegetables:; 8 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 large yellow onion, sliced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional); 6 cloves garlic, minced; 5 oz fresh baby spinach; For the Rich Cream Sauce:; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and white pepper to taste; For Garnish:; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

This indulgent and deeply satisfying dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a luxuriously rich and creamy sauce loaded with crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. The combination of smoky bacon, wilted spinach, and velvety cream sauce creates layers of flavor that make this comfort food at its finest. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something truly decadent, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality results with the warmth of home cooking.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)

2 teaspoons salt, divided

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Bacon and Vegetables:

8 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 large yellow onion, sliced

8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)

6 cloves garlic, minced

5 oz fresh baby spinach

For the Rich Cream Sauce:

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

1½ cups heavy cream

1 cup sour cream

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and white pepper to taste

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Extra crispy bacon bits

Extra shredded cheese

Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with 1½ teaspoons salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking later).

In the same pan, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.

Add sliced onions to the bacon fat and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add mushrooms (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux.

Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in heavy cream, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until completely smooth and combined.

Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.

Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Add most of the cooked bacon back to the pan, reserving some for garnish.

Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and sauce has thickened beautifully.

Add fresh spinach to the pan and gently stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season sauce with remaining salt and white pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives, parsley, reserved bacon bits, and extra cheese before serving.

Rich & Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Bacon

JUE

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Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Rich & Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Bacon

Ingredients

Instructions