Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Bacon Chicken Recipe

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Bacon:
    • Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled bacon into the creamed spinach mixture.
  5. 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.
  6. Bake Again:
    • Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbly.
  7. 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!