There’s just something so comforting about a rich, creamy chicken dinner that hits all the right notes. This Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe is one of those dishes where smoky bacon, tender chicken, and fresh spinach come together in a luscious sauce that keeps me coming back to the kitchen time and time again.

The dish shows four golden-brown cooked chicken pieces laid out on a white oval plate over a white marbled surface. The chicken is covered with a creamy sauce that has a light tan color, filled with bright red cherry tomato halves, dark green spinach leaves, and small crispy bits of bacon scattered evenly across. A silver spoon rests on the left side of the plate. In the lower right corner, a bowl holds fresh green asparagus spears. A dark green cloth is partly under the plate, adding contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe is one of those easy-to-love meals that feels fancy but comes together without fuss. I adore how the crispy bacon and creamy parmesan sauce hug the juicy chicken — it’s pure comfort on a plate.

Flavor packed: Each bite blends smoky bacon, garlicky tomatoes, and tender spinach with a luscious cream sauce that’s downright addictive.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Quick to make: From start to finish, it’s done in about 35 minutes — great for busy evenings when you want something special without the wait.
Flexible and forgiving: You can easily tweak it with your favorite greens or swap the broth for wine for a grown-up twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish shine — they're straightforward but each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture. Plus, I’ll share a few tips to help you pick the best versions at the store.

Flat lay of chopped raw bacon strips, two whole boneless skinless chicken breasts with smooth skin, a few fresh grape tomatoes halved, three peeled whole garlic cloves, a bunch of roughly chopped vibrant green spinach leaves, a small mound of finely shredded pale parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with creamy heavy cream, a small white bowl filled with clear low sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl holding white cornstarch powder, a small pile of coarse salt crystals, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, and a few sprigs of mixed dried Italian herbs, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bacon: Crisp, smoky bacon adds incredible depth and a savory crunch that’s totally essential here.
Chicken breasts: Choosing boneless and skinless keeps things lean, and pounding them ensures even cooking and tenderness.
Olive oil: Used for searing, it adds a subtle richness and helps lock in juices.
Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that complements bacon and tomatoes perfectly without overpowering.
Grape tomatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the smoky and creamy elements, plus their small size means they cook quickly.
Garlic: A fragrant punch that brings everything together aromatically.
Chicken broth: Builds the sauce base with subtle savory notes and moisture.
Cornstarch: Just a little thickener to achieve that perfectly silky sauce.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild earthiness—plus it wilts quickly so you don’t lose texture.
Parmesan cheese: A touch of nutty, salty goodness that melts into the sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream: The final touch that makes the sauce ultra dreamy and rich.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who’s joining me for dinner. It’s super forgiving, so you can easily customize without losing that cozy feeling.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard to give it a bit more bite, especially in cooler months. I just make sure to cook the greens a little longer to soften them up.
Dairy-free tweak: Using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream keeps the sauce luscious but dairy-free — perfect for friends with restrictions.
Low sodium option: Choose low-sodium bacon and broth, then add salt carefully at the end to keep saltiness balanced.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic gives the sauce a subtle heat that really wakes up the flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe

The dish shows one main layer of cooked chicken on a white plate, covered with a creamy light orange sauce that has visible pieces of green spinach, bright red diced tomatoes, and small dark red bacon bits scattered on top and mixed in the sauce, which pools slightly around the chicken. To the left of the chicken, there is a serving of light yellow orzo pasta, and above the chicken, there are several bright green asparagus stalks neatly placed side by side. The plate sits on a wooden round board which is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp Your Bacon to Perfection

Start by cooking the chopped bacon over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss it occasionally so it cooks evenly and turns a nice crisp golden brown. This step not only gives you that crave-worthy crunch but also renders delicious bacon fat to flavor the chicken and sauce. Once crisp, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 2: Prep and Season Your Chicken

If you’re using larger chicken breasts, butterfly and cut them so they’re about the same size. Then, pound each piece to an even ½-inch thickness—this way they cook quickly and evenly, avoiding dryness. Pat each piece dry with a paper towel (this helps get a good sear!), then season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a clean skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until deep golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side. They’ll be cooked through by the time you flip them. Remove the chicken and set aside—it’s already juicy and flavorful!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil. Toss in the halved grape tomatoes and minced garlic; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish the Sauce

Whisk together the cornstarch with the remaining 1½ tablespoons of chicken broth until smooth. Pour this slurry into the skillet, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce — this should take about 30 seconds. Then add chopped spinach, the cooked bacon, and parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything melds together. Finally, stir in the heavy cream, and taste for seasoning — add salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them so they’re beautifully smothered. Let everything warm through for a minute or so, then serve right from the pan. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, smoky bits of bacon, and fresh greens is just irresistible.

Top Tip

Over time, I've learned a few little tricks that really elevate this Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe, and I find sharing them helps make sure your dinner is a total hit.

Dry Your Chicken Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. I always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning—it gives that gorgeous golden crust.
Don’t Rush the Bacon: Let the bacon crisp slow and steady over medium heat instead of cranking up the burner. It crisps evenly without burning.
Use Fresh Spinach: It’s so much quicker to wilt and tastes better in this sauce than frozen.
Thicken Sauce Last-Minute: Mixing cornstarch with broth before adding prevents clumps and helps you control the sauce’s consistency perfectly.

How to Serve Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe

Smothered Bacon Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a bit of extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish. It adds a pretty pop of color and a fresh note that balances the creamy richness. Sometimes just a twist of freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil are enough for me.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables, especially carrots or asparagus, add a nice texture contrast and color on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the chicken over creamy polenta or even a bed of buttery pasta. Plating with a drizzle of balsamic glaze nearby adds a gourmet touch that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find it best to cool the chicken and sauce completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, leftovers keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by separating the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers. When you reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge first to preserve texture and avoid separation in the sauce.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend using a gentle simmer on the stovetop or warming in the microwave at medium power in short intervals. Stir gently and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick or separated.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe because they tend to stay juicy and tender. Just adjust your cooking time slightly—about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! To make this dish dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative, and use a dairy-free parmesan-style topping or omit it altogether. The flavor is still rich and satisfying.

What’s the best way to get crispy bacon without burning it?

Cooking bacon over medium heat rather than high heat lets the fat render slowly, producing evenly crisp bacon without burning. Toss the bacon occasionally to ensure even cooking, and remove it promptly once crisp.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken by pounding and seasoning it in advance, or even cook the bacon ahead. However, I’d recommend cooking and combining all elements just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and the sauce luscious.

Final Thoughts

This Smothered Bacon Chicken with Spinach Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want to cook something that feels a little special yet is super simple to pull together. The way the creamy sauce, savory bacon, and fresh spinach complement each other is truly a joy to eat. I’m confident you’ll find this dish as comforting and delicious as I do—give it a try and enjoy the warm, cozy magic it brings to your table.