There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh spinach all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This Smothered BLT Chicken with Spinach and Bacon Recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners — it’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together.

On a white oval plate, there are five cooked chicken pieces with a light brown color and specks of black seasoning. The chicken is covered with a thick creamy sauce that has a light orange color. The sauce has bright red cherry tomato halves, dark green spinach leaves, and small pieces of crispy browned bacon scattered on top. A large silver serving spoon rests on the left side of the plate. The plate is placed on a dark green cloth on a white marbled surface. In the bottom right corner, there is a white bowl filled with steamed green asparagus spears. 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 BLT Chicken with Spinach and Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Smothered BLT Chicken with Spinach and Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Smothered BLT Chicken with Spinach and Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Smothered BLT Chicken with Spinach and Bacon Recipe more times than I can count because it hits that perfect balance of rich and fresh. Every bite is like a warm hug, and the fact that it comes together in under 40 minutes means it’s also a busy person’s win.

Flavor-packed combo: The blend of smoky bacon, garlicky tomatoes, and melty Parmesan creates a sauce that’s downright addictive.
Quick and easy: You don’t need hours or complicated steps—just a few simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
Versatile and satisfying: This recipe works for a fancy dinner or a cozy night in, and it’s great for leftovers too.
Nutritional boost: Adding fresh spinach sneaks in some greens without sacrificing any of the indulgence.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Smothered BLT Chicken with Spinach and Bacon Recipe serves a purpose — from the salty crispiness of bacon to the creamy Parmesan that ties it all together. Here’s a quick look at what’s going on behind the scenes with your shopping list.

Flat lay of crispy chopped bacon, two boneless skinless chicken breasts with smooth pale skin, a small mound of coarse salt, black peppercorns scattered, a few sprigs of dried Italian seasoning herbs, halved glossy red grape tomatoes, three unpeeled garlic cloves next to a small pile of minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear low sodium chicken broth, a tiny white bowl with white cornstarch powder, roughly chopped vibrant green fresh spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick white heavy cream, all arranged symmetrically 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: Adds smoky, savory crunch that sets the tone for the dish.
Olive oil: Used for cooking chicken and veggies, gives a subtle fruitiness.
Chicken breasts: The star protein, tenderized evenly for perfect cooking.
Italian seasoning: Herbs like oregano and basil introduce depth without overpowering.
Grape tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add a fresh burst during sautéing.
Garlic: A small amount but big on flavor, it lifts the sauce with an aromatic punch.
Chicken broth: Builds the savory sauce foundation while keeping it light.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully for that creamy consistency.
Spinach: Fresh and vibrant, it wilts gently to add color and nutrition.
Parmesan cheese: Introduces nuttiness and umami—a key finishing touch.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent without being too heavy.

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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

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to amp up the spice, swap bacon for turkey bacon, or make it lighter with half-and-half instead of cream, it adapts without losing its charm.

Vegetarian twist: I’ve tried using smoked tofu and veggie bacon instead of actual bacon, and it still delivered rich smoky notes.
Extra greens: Sometimes I add kale or Swiss chard for a heartier, earthier taste.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.
Dairy-free alternative: Coconut cream replaces heavy cream beautifully when dairy’s not an option.

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

The image shows a white plate with three main parts on a white marbled surface. On the left side of the plate, there is a light yellow pile of orzo rice with a soft texture. On the top right, bright green asparagus spears are laid in a neat bundle. The central and right part of the plate has a creamy sauce with a light orange color that covers a cooked piece of meat. This meat is topped with small red tomato chunks, dark green spinach leaves, and bits of browned bacon. The sauce spreads slightly onto the plate, mixing with the ingredients, giving a rich and creamy look. A woman's hand with a fork is visible in the top left corner, reaching toward the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp that bacon perfectly

Start by chopping your bacon into bite-sized pieces, then cook it in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss occasionally so it crisps evenly and renders all that flavorful fat. When it’s nice and crisp (my favorite part!), transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This step creates a great base for the dish and you’ll also use that bacon fat to help cook the chicken for extra flavor if you want.

Step 2: Prep and season your chicken

Whether you’re using large chicken breasts or smaller ones, pounding them out to an even thickness is a must — it ensures they cook evenly without drying out. After that, season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. The Italian herbs add a subtle aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with the bacon.

Step 3: Sear the chicken to golden perfection

Heat most of your olive oil in a clean skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan, and cook about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you want—165°F is perfect. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you build that luscious sauce.

Step 4: Build the sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and broth

Add the remaining olive oil to the pan, then toss in your halved grape tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté briefly till fragrant—about 30 seconds is plenty so the garlic doesn’t burn. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, lowering the heat so it gently bubbles for around 2 minutes. This starts to concentrate those bright tomato flavors.

Step 5: Thicken and enrich the sauce

Mix cornstarch with the remaining chicken broth to make a slurry, then whisk that into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens in about 30 seconds. Now stir in your fresh chopped spinach, crispy bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts through.

Step 6: Finish with cream and serve it up

Pour in the heavy cream and give the sauce a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Nestle your chicken pieces back into the pan and spoon that luscious sauce over everything. Serve it immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Top Tip

From my many attempts at this Smothered BLT Chicken with Spinach and Bacon Recipe, these little tweaks made all the difference between a good dish and a memorable one.

Don’t skip pounding the chicken: It really helps the breasts cook evenly and stay tender — no dry edges here.
Use fresh grape tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness cut through the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Cook bacon until crisp: This adds texture and ensures bacon bits don’t get lost in the creamy sauce.
Adjust cream at the end: If you prefer a lighter sauce, start with less cream and stir in more to taste.

How to Serve Smothered BLT Chicken with Spinach and Bacon Recipe

Smothered BLT Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and some freshly cracked black pepper on top right before serving. Fresh chopped parsley or basil scattered over the dish adds a bright pop of color and a fresh fragrance that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

Because the chicken is so flavorful and saucy, I like to serve it with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up every bit of that sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also work perfectly when I want something lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the chicken and sauce over toasted sourdough slices or even used it as a filling for warm pita pockets. It turns this cozy dinner into a fun, shareable experience that’s impressive but still easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, though the spinach can soften a bit, so I sometimes add a pinch of fresh spinach when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing works, but I recommend freezing the sauce and chicken separately if you can. The cream-based sauce can separate a bit when frozen, so thaw it in the fridge overnight and whisk well before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the chicken moist, I reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed. This helps recreate that fresh-off-the-stove creaminess and avoids drying out the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will stay juicy and add a bit more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep the cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, then assemble and reheat when ready to eat. This recipe holds up well and tastes even better after flavors meld.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?

Gently reheat the chicken over low heat in a covered pan, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to keep it moist, and stir the sauce regularly. Avoid microwave reheating if possible.

Final Thoughts

This Smothered BLT Chicken with Spinach and Bacon Recipe has become my go-to comfort dish when I want something that feels like a treat but doesn’t take forever. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s the kind of recipe you keep coming back to, and one that earns compliments without stress. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.