Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1.5 lbs of skinless, boneless chicken breast (4 small or 2 large, halved)
• Salt
• ¼ teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon of paprika

For the Creamed Spinach:

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 10 oz of fresh spinach
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• ⅔ cup of half and half
• ⅔ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 4 oz of sliced mushrooms
• 4 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
• 4 slices of Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease the bottom of a baking dish (an oval casserole dish measuring 13 inches x 9 inches x 4 inches deep works well).
3. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and a sprinkle of paprika. Place the chicken breasts flat side down into the greased baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
4. Meanwhile, prepare the creamed spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook, covered, for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and add minced garlic and half and half. Bring to a boil, then add shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously on high heat until the cheese starts to melt, about 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to simmer and continue stirring until you have a smooth creamed spinach, about 1 minute. Season with salt to taste and remove from heat.
5. For the mushrooms: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add sliced mushrooms and cook over high-medium heat for 1-2 minutes until caramelized. Avoid salting the mushrooms as it can inhibit caramelization.
6. Assemble the smothered chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and top each one with creamed spinach, chopped bacon, cooked mushrooms, and slices of Pepper Jack cheese. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear. If desired, broil for the last 2-4 minutes, being careful not to burn the cheese on top.

Enjoy your creamy and flavorful smothered chicken dish!