Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken Recipe

Succulent chicken breasts dance with robust flavors in this mouthwatering sun-dried tomato, spinach, and bacon chicken recipe that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Bold ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of tastes that tantalize the palate.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch to tender chicken, while sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, tangy brightness.

Fresh spinach weaves its vibrant green notes through each delectable bite.

The combination transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality goodness right to your dinner table.

Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Bacon Chicken Highlights

• Culinary Creativity Unleashed: Elevate your weeknight dinner with this gourmet-style chicken dish that combines bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy spinach, and crispy bacon.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it perfect for home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with protein and vibrant ingredients, this recipe appeals to both families and dinner guests, offering a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines nutrient-rich spinach, lean chicken, and flavorful bacon to create a balanced meal that satisfies taste buds and nutritional needs.

Key Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of white meat that serve as the base for this flavorful dish.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that adds rich flavor and crunch to the chicken.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts smoothly to create a rich sauce.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy cheese that adds a zesty kick and melts beautifully on top.
• Half and Half: Creamy dairy product that helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce.

• Spinach: Fresh green leafy vegetable that provides nutrients and creates a creamy base.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely flavored tomatoes that add a sweet and tangy element.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Italian Salad Dressing Mix: Seasoning blend that adds herbs and spices to the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Cooking fat used for preparing the spinach.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance the dish's flavors.
• Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and add richness.

Steps to Prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Chicken

Step 1: Ignite the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375 F, getting ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Base

• Grease the baking dish with a generous butter coating
• Sprinkle Italian salad dressing mix generously over chicken breasts
• Place chicken flat side down in the buttered dish
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken starts to transform

Step 3: Create Dreamy Creamed Spinach

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat
• Toss in spinach and cook until it wilts slightly
• Add minced garlic and half and half
• Bring mixture to a bubbling boil
• Sprinkle in mozzarella cheese
• Stir constantly until cheese melts smoothly
• Reduce heat and continue stirring until sauce thickens
• Season with salt to taste

Step 4: Final Flavor Fusion

• Remove chicken from oven after initial baking
• Top each chicken breast with
• Creamed spinach
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Crumbled bacon
• Pepper jack cheese slices
• Return to oven uncovered
• Bake for additional 15-20 minutes
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked, no pink remaining
• Juices should run clear when done

Pro Tips for Sun-Dried Tomato and Bacon Chicken

• Pat spinach dry before cooking to remove excess moisture and maintain a thick, creamy texture for the sauce.
• Cook bacon separately until extra crispy, then crumble to add a crunchy texture and prevent sogginess on the chicken.
• Shred cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping.
• Drain sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess oil from making the dish too greasy or watery.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe and perfectly cooked protein.

Flavor Variations for Bacon Chicken with Spinach

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, swap bacon with tempeh bacon or smoked mushrooms, and use dairy-free mozzarella for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute Italian salad dressing mix with herb seasoning, use cauliflower as a base instead of chicken, and add extra crispy prosciutto for protein and crunch.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of half and half, choose dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, and keep all other ingredients consistent.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace bacon with pancetta, add kalamata olives, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.

Serving Suggestions for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this creamy, savory chicken with roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a rich, comforting side that complements the dish's bold flavors.
• Mediterranean Spread: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, olives, and feta cheese to balance the chicken's creamy and smoky profile.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to enhance the sun-dried tomato and bacon notes, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience.
• Veggie Companion: Add roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots for a colorful, nutritious plate that adds brightness to the hearty chicken main course.

Storage Tips for Bacon and Spinach Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken moist and flavorful?

The Italian salad dressing mix seasons the chicken, while baking in butter helps keep it juicy and prevents sticking to the baking dish.

• Can I use fresh or frozen spinach?

Fresh spinach works best for this recipe. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out all excess water before adding to the creamed spinach mixture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center, and the juices should run clear when you cut into it.

Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Bacon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts adorned with sun-dried tomato, spinach, and bacon create a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Robust flavors meld together, promising a delightful culinary experience that satisfies your craving for a rich, comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds chicken (4 small chicken breasts or 2 large chicken breasts sliced horizontally in half)
• 4 slices bacon
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 6 ounces baby spinach
• 4 garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 0.125 teaspoon salt

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 0.667 cup half and half
• 0.667 cup mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 ounces italian dressing mix packet

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
2. Grease the baking dish with butter, ensuring a non-stick surface for the chicken breasts. Sprinkle Italian salad dressing mix evenly over both sides of the chicken, providing a flavorful seasoning.
3. Place chicken breasts flat-side down in the prepared dish, then roast for 15-20 minutes until partially cooked.
4. While chicken bakes, create the creamed spinach by heating oil in a skillet over medium heat. Quickly wilt the spinach, then introduce minced garlic and half and half, bringing the mixture to a boil.
5. Incorporate mozzarella cheese, stirring vigorously until it melts completely. Reduce heat and continue stirring to achieve a thick, smooth consistency. Season with salt and remove from heat.
6. Extract the partially cooked chicken from the oven and generously top each breast with the prepared creamed spinach.
7. Distribute chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crispy bacon pieces over the spinach layer. Strategically place broken pepper jack cheese on top for additional flavor and melting potential.
8. Return the chicken to the oven, baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, ensuring no pink remains and juices run clear.

Notes

• Customize the seasoning by using homemade Italian herb blend for a personalized flavor profile and to control sodium levels.
• Drain sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess oil from making the dish greasy and ensuring crisp texture.
• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, which adds rich depth to the overall dish.
• Replace half and half with Greek yogurt or lighter cream for a lower-calorie version without compromising creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg