Creamed spinach forms the luscious base of this dish. Making it from scratch is simple and elevates the entire meal. Start by sautéing garlic and onions in butter, then add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in heavy cream and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to create a rich, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken, bacon, and mushrooms.
Creating the Sauce
The sauce is the heart of the smothered chicken, tying all the ingredients together. To create a balanced sauce, start by deglazing the pan after cooking the bacon and chicken, scraping up all the flavorful bits. Then, add in the mushrooms and let them cook down before stirring in the creamed spinach. Finally, mix in heavy cream and a splash of chicken broth, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce, creating a rich, flavorful coating for the chicken.
Cooking Techniques
The secret to perfect smothered chicken lies in the cooking techniques used to bring out the best in each ingredient. Start by pan-frying the chicken to achieve a golden, crispy skin. The chicken should be cooked in the bacon fat, which enhances its flavor. After the chicken is browned, it is finished in the oven, ensuring it cooks evenly without drying out. The spinach, bacon, and mushrooms are prepared separately before being combined with the chicken and sauce in the final stages.
Pan-Frying the Chicken
Pan-frying the chicken is an essential step in this recipe. It creates a crispy, golden exterior while sealing in the juices, ensuring the meat remains tender and moist. Use a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, and heat it until smoking before adding the chicken. The key is to let the chicken cook undisturbed for several minutes on each side to develop a deep, flavorful crust.
Combining Ingredients
Once all the components are prepared, it’s time to combine them into a cohesive dish. Start by placing the pan-fried chicken into a baking dish, then pour the mushroom and spinach mixture over the top. Ensure the chicken is evenly covered, allowing the flavors to meld during baking. This layering of flavors creates a rich, satisfying dish with every bite.
Baking vs. Pan-Frying
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