This delicious dish combines tender baked chicken with a rich creamed spinach, crispy bacon, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect option for a hearty dinner and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
For the Baked Chicken Breasts:
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts (4 small or 2 large, sliced horizontally in half to make them thinner)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 0.5 oz Italian Dressing mix packet (use half of the packet)
For the Creamed Spinach:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 6 oz baby spinach, fresh
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅔ cup half and half
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Rub both sides of the chicken with the Italian dressing mix.
- Dot the chicken with butter and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Cook the Spinach:
- While the chicken is baking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Gradually add the spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts down. This may take a few minutes.
- Make the Creamed Spinach:
- Once the spinach has wilted, pour in the half and half and bring to a simmer.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy. Season with salt.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Bacon:
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled bacon into the creamed spinach mixture.
- Combine with Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Spoon the creamy spinach, sun-dried tomato, and bacon mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake Again:
- Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken hot, ensuring each piece is topped with a generous amount of the spinach and sun-dried tomato topping.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Gouda, for different flavors.
- Adding More Vegetables: Consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers to the spinach mixture for additional flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta, rice, or a light salad.
Conclusion:
Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Bacon Chicken is a rich and satisfying dish that combines flavorful ingredients for a truly memorable meal. It’s ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special weekend meal. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors that this dish brings to your dinner table!
