Creamy Spinach Chicken with Bacon and Melted Cheese

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🍗 Creamy Spinach Chicken with Bacon and Melted Cheese

🕒 Time

  • Prep: 10–15 minutes
  • Cook: 25–30 minutes
  • Total: ~40 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧 Serves: 4

🧾 Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter

For the sauce:

  • 4–5 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional but adds sweetness)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or cooking cream)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or water + ½ bouillon cube)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds flavor depth)
  • 2 cups (about 60 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (or mozzarella for milder flavor)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar, for melting on top
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (optional extra for sautéing)

🔪 Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp.
    • Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels. Leave about 1 Tbsp of the bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Season and sear the chicken:
    • Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
    • In the same skillet (with a bit of bacon fat + olive oil), sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
    • Remove chicken and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
  3. Make the creamy spinach sauce:
    • In the same pan, add minced garlic and onion (if using). Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
    • Add the cream and Dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer.
    • Stir in the Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce.
  4. Add spinach:
    • Add spinach leaves to the sauce and cook until just wilted (1–2 minutes).
    • Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, more garlic, or chili flakes if desired).
  5. Combine and top with cheese:
    • Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
    • Sprinkle cooked bacon pieces over the top, then cover with shredded mozzarella or cheddar.
    • Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook 5–7 minutes — until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 74 °C / 165 °F).
    👉 Alternatively, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish and broil for 3–5 minutes for a bubbly golden top.
  6. Serve:
    • Spoon creamy sauce over chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or extra bacon bits.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Serve over mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or rice.
  • For a lighter meal, try it with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

🧊 Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the oven (covered).
  • The sauce may thicken; stir in a splash of cream or broth to loosen.

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for juicier meat.
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Use Gruyère or provolone for a more gourmet melted cheese layer.
  • For extra crispiness, sprinkle breadcrumbs + cheese and broil before serving.

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