Description
A flavorful Smothered BLT Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with crispy bacon, fresh spinach, grape tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 6 slices (6 oz) bacon, chopped
- 2 (12 oz each) or 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables and Herbs
- 10 oz. (2 cups) grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 3 cups packed (3 oz) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Pantry Items
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth, plus 1 1/2 Tbsp
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Dairy
- 1/2 cup (1 oz) finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Add chopped bacon to a 12-inch skillet and cook over medium heat, tossing occasionally until crisp. Transfer cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Prepare the chicken: If using two 12 oz chicken breasts, butterfly and cut each into two portions through the thickness. Pound all chicken pieces to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a clean 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and transfer to a plate.
- Sauté tomatoes and garlic: Lower heat to medium, add remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add halved grape tomatoes and minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the broth: Pour in 1 cup low sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk together 1 Tbsp cornstarch with remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp chicken broth until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the sauce thickens.
- Add spinach, bacon, and cheese: Stir in fresh spinach, cooked bacon, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Cook until the spinach wilts and cheese melts.
- Finish with cream and seasoning: Stir in heavy cream and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Use fresh garlic instead of minced for more intense flavor.
- Adjust the cream quantity for a lighter or richer sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is pounded evenly to cook uniformly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
