There’s something about a creamy, cheesy chicken dish that just hits the spot after a long day. This Creamed Spinach Chicken with Cheese and Bacon is the meal I crave when I want something rich, satisfying, and a little indulgent. It’s packed with flavor, simple to put together, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. Let me walk you through why this recipe is a staple in my kitchen and how you can make it just as easily.
Why This Recipe Works
After many experiments with creamy chicken recipes, this version stands out because of a few simple tricks:
- One-pan magic: Most of the cooking happens in the same skillet, which means less clean-up.
- Balance of flavors: The creamy spinach, salty bacon, and tender chicken create the perfect bite every time.
- Adaptable: Whether I’m in the mood for mozzarella’s stretchiness or cheddar’s boldness, the cheese choice keeps it exciting.
- Quick to make: Start to finish, this can be on the table in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 3-4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes)
- 2 to 3 chicken fillets
- 150 g fresh spinach leaves (or frozen spinach, well-drained)
- 100 g cheese (cheddar, emmental, or mozzarella)
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 100 g diced lardons or bacon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- Salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How I Make Creamed Spinach Chicken with Cheese and Bacon
1. Cook the Chicken
I start by seasoning the chicken fillets with salt, pepper, and a generous dusting of paprika. In a large pan, I melt a bit of butter over medium heat. Once the butter starts to sizzle, I add the chicken and cook it for about 6-8 minutes on each side. The goal is golden-brown outside and juicy inside. Once cooked, I set the chicken aside to rest while I move onto the creamy spinach.
2. Prepare the Creamy Spinach
Without cleaning the pan (because those leftover chicken bits add serious flavor), I add a little more butter if needed. Then I sauté the chopped garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. I toss in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt down for 2-3 minutes.
When the spinach has softened, I pour in the liquid cream and add a handful of grated cheese. I stir it gently, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper, and let it simmer until it turns into a lush, creamy sauce.
3. Cook the Bacon
While the spinach simmers, I crisp up the lardons or diced bacon in a separate small pan. I prefer frying them because it gives a delicious texture, but roasting them in the oven works too if I want to multitask. The key is getting them super crispy so they add that irresistible crunch later.
4. Assemble and Finish in the Oven
Now comes the fun part. In an ovenproof dish, I layer the creamy spinach first, spreading it out evenly. I slice the cooked chicken into strips and lay them over the spinach. I sprinkle more cheese over everything, then top it all with the crispy bacon.
I slide the dish into a preheated oven at 200°C (about 400°F) for about 5 minutes, just enough to melt the cheese and get everything bubbling and golden around the edges.
Finally, I sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top to brighten things up.
Tips for Best Results
- Drain spinach well: If using frozen spinach, I make sure it’s thoroughly drained to avoid a watery sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and has a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded bags.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Keeping the chicken juicy is key to making the whole dish shine.
- Extra crispy bacon: I let it cook a minute longer than I think it needs. It will stay crunchy even after baking.
What I Serve with This Dish
This Creamed Spinach Chicken is rich and filling, so I usually keep the sides simple:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a fresh, crisp contrast
- Mashed potatoes if I’m craving full-on comfort food
- A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Crusty bread to mop up any leftover creamy sauce (and there’s always some left)
FAQs From My Kitchen to Yours
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the spinach and chicken, assemble the dish, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it for a few extra minutes.
Q: What if I want it spicier?
A: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy spinach or use a spicy cheddar for an extra kick.
Q: How do leftovers hold up?
A: Really well. I reheat portions in the oven at 180°C (350°F) so the cheese gets melty again without drying out the chicken.
Q: Can I use another green instead of spinach?
A: Definitely. Kale or Swiss chard work great — just adjust the cooking time since they’re a bit sturdier than spinach.
Why This Creamed Spinach Chicken Always Wins
This recipe hits every craving for creamy, cheesy, crispy, and savory. It’s comforting without being too heavy and feels a little indulgent while still being easy enough for any night of the week. Every time I make it, the plate is wiped clean — and that’s the best compliment a home cook can get.
If you’re looking for a new chicken recipe that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, give this Creamed Spinach Chicken with Cheese and Bacon a try. I’m willing to bet it’ll become one of your favorites too.
The Ultimate Creamed Spinach Chicken with Bacon: My Favorite Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 150 g fresh spinach leaves (or frozen spinach)
- 100 g cheddar cheese
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 100 g diced lardons or bacon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 500 g chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add the cream and cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, place the chicken breasts and pour the creamy spinach mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!
Nutrition Information
