🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken
1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 small or 2 large, halved horizontally for even cooking)
1 tbsp butter
Salt, to taste
¼ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
¼ tsp smoked paprika
For the Creamy Spinach & Veggies
1 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
10 oz fresh spinach (about 8 cups)
4 garlic cloves, minced
⅔ cup half-and-half (or mix ⅓ cup whole milk + ⅓ cup heavy cream)
⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 oz mushrooms, sliced
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
For the Cheesy Finish
4 slices Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese (with jalapeños for spice, or mild Jack for kids)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season & Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F).
Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil.
2. Sauté Mushrooms & Spinach
In the same skillet, heat ½ tbsp oil over medium heat.
Add mushrooms. Cook 5–6 minutes until browned and tender. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining ½ tbsp oil. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted (~3–4 mins total).
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Pour in half-and-half. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Return mushrooms and bacon to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Assemble & Melt the Cheese
Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the spinach mixture.
Top each piece with 1 slice of Pepper Jack cheese.
Cover skillet and cook on low heat 2–3 minutes, until cheese is fully melted.
Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning (watch closely!).
5. Serve Immediately
Spoon extra spinach sauce over chicken.
Garnish with extra bacon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
💡 Pro Tips for Next-Level Flavor
Pound chicken to even thickness (½ inch) for faster, more even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—sear chicken in batches if needed.
Use fresh spinach—frozen can make the sauce watery.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Add onions: Sauté ½ cup diced onion with the mushrooms for extra depth.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings
Classic: Garlic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
Low-carb: Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
Light: Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
❤️ Why This Dish Feels Like Home
This recipe is hospitality in a skillet.
It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to.
It simply feeds—with warmth, generosity, and a little cheesy indulgence.
And on nights when you’re tired, busy, or just need something deeply satisfying?
That’s more than enough.
💛 Final Thought
Great cooking isn’t about perfection.
It’s about showing up with love—and a little melted cheese.
So heat your skillet.
Let the garlic and cream fill your kitchen with comfort.
And get ready for the kind of dinner that lingers in memory long after the plates are empty.