Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach Bacon And Mushrooms

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter the bottom of a baking dish (an oval casserole dish measuring 13 inches x 9 inches x 4 inches deep works well).
2. Season and Bake Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika. Place the chicken breasts flat side down in the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
3. Prepare the Creamed Spinach: While the chicken is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, covered, until it starts to wilt. Remove from heat and add the minced garlic and half and half. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously over high heat until the cheese starts to melt, about 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to simmer and continue stirring until you achieve a smooth creamed spinach, about 1 more minute. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
4. Cook the Mushrooms: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high-medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes until they caramelize. Avoid salting the mushrooms at this stage to ensure proper caramelization.
5. Assemble the Smothered Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven. Top each piece with a generous portion of creamed spinach, followed by the chopped cooked bacon and caramelized mushrooms. Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese over each chicken breast.
6. Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through, no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear. If desired, broil the dish for the last 2-4 minutes to lightly brown the cheese on top, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Tips for a Perfect Smothered Chicken:

• Seasoning: Adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or use different cheese varieties to change the flavor profile.
• Cooking Spinach: Be careful not to overcook the spinach; it should be just wilted to retain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
• Caramelizing Mushrooms: Ensure the pan is hot enough to caramelize the mushrooms quickly, adding depth to their flavor.

This Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms is a hearty and delicious dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.