Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Flavor-Packed Meal for Any Occasion
Ingredients
- For the Baked Chicken Breasts:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts (4 small or 2 large sliced horizontally)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 packet (0.5 oz) Italian dressing mix
- For the Creamed Spinach:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6 oz fresh baby spinach
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2/3 cup half-and-half
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 4 slices Pepper Jack or Monterey cheese with jalapeños
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian dressing mix and arrange them flat-side down in the prepared dish.
- Bake the chicken for 15–20 minutes until partially cooked.
- Step 2: Prepare the Creamed Spinach
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stir in minced garlic and half-and-half, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Add the mozzarella cheese and stir continuously over high heat until the cheese is melted and the mixture thickens. This should take about 30 seconds.
- Lower the heat to simmer, stirring until the spinach mixture is creamy and smooth. If the mixture is too watery, simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid. Season with salt and set aside.
- Step 3: Assemble and Finish Cooking
- Remove the chicken breasts from the oven after their initial bake.
- Top each chicken breast with:
- A generous layer of creamed spinach
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- A slice of Pepper Jack or Monterey cheese
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (no pink inside, juices run clear).
- Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes