Chicken, Bacon & Spinach in Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Here's a hearty meal to warm you up on a cold winter's night. This chicken recipe is an easy, one-pan meal that is absolutely packed with flavour.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 x chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano & basil combined)
  • 4 rashers of rindless bacon
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Season chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and salt and pepper, to taste.
  2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan or pot over medium high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside on a plate.
  3. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same pan. Add onion and bacon, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic, paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and further sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomato and chicken stock and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in milk and cream, mozzarella, spinach and crushed chili pepper flakes. Reduce heat to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted.
  5. Add chicken back to the pan and simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve with rice, pasta, spiralised vegetables or a green salad.