When comfort food meets savory indulgence, you get this creamy, cheesy, and perfectly layered smothered chicken. Loaded with crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and melty cheese, this oven-baked dish is low-carb, gluten-free, and incredibly satisfying, all in under an hour.
Looking for inspiration? Try our rich and savory take on Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels, high in protein and oven-fresh in minutes.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
Mandatory Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large or 4 small, halved)
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- ¼ tsp paprika
For the Creamed Spinach:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella
Toppings:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 4 slices Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Bake Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper, and paprika.
Place flat side down in the dish and bake for 15–20 minutes.
3. Make Creamed Spinach
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add spinach, cover, and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Add garlic and half-and-half. Bring to a boil.
Stir in mozzarella. Cook on high heat until melted and creamy.
Season lightly with salt and set aside.
4. Sauté Mushrooms
In a separate pan, heat oil over medium-high.
Add mushrooms and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Avoid adding salt while cooking to allow proper browning.
5. Assemble & Finish Baking
Remove chicken from oven.
Top each piece with creamed spinach, mushrooms, bacon, and a slice of cheese.
Return to oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
For a golden top, broil for 2–4 minutes at the end.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 35g | 6g | 28g |
Don’t Miss These Cheesy & Savory Additions:
- Want a low-carb crust idea? Check out our Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust, crispy, cheesy, and keto-friendly.
- Love creamy sides? Try Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes as the perfect pairing.
- Looking for more greens and protein? Don’t miss our Spinach Cottage Cheese Pasta for a complete cheesy dinner idea.
Final Notes
This dish is a total win for busy cooks, comfort food lovers, or anyone needing a protein-rich meal that doesn’t skimp on indulgence. Whether served with greens, mashed cauliflower, or a simple salad, it delivers every time.
