Description
This Creamy Balsamic Spinach Bacon Mushroom Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with balsamic vinegar, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh baby spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Produce
- 6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper (to taste)
- Flour (for dredging)
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears and fry over medium-high heat in a deep skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper, then dredge all sides in flour to coat.
- Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken pieces in the skillet with the bacon fat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and place on the same plate as the bacon.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan if it’s dry. Cook the sliced mushrooms until their liquid has evaporated and they develop a nice sear, about 6-8 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to avoid smoking. Remove mushrooms and set aside with the chicken and bacon.
- Deglaze the Pan: Stir in chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, scraping up the browned bits from the pan bottom. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, then return the chicken, bacon, and mushrooms to the pan. Simmer for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the Spinach: Gently stir in the fresh baby spinach, tucking the chicken underneath with tongs to ensure even cooking. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve: Serve the creamy balsamic spinach bacon mushroom chicken immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, cut chicken breasts into thinner halves before seasoning and cooking.
- Use kitchen shears to easily cut bacon into uniform small pieces.
- Adjust pepper to taste and consider using salt sparingly as bacon and broth add saltiness.
- If the pan becomes too hot while cooking mushrooms, reduce heat to prevent burning or smoking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
