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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
- 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.
- Place chicken breasts flat-side down in the prepared dish, then roast for 15-20 minutes until partially cooked.
- 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.
- 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.
- Extract the partially cooked chicken from the oven and generously top each breast with the prepared creamed spinach.
- 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.
- 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