Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken: Prepare to be amazed by this flavor explosion! Imagine juicy chicken breasts, pan-seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a luscious sauce of ripe tomatoes, wilted spinach, and crispy bacon. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your family begging for seconds.

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary hug. While the exact origins of combining these ingredients are somewhat hazy, the concept of pairing chicken with complementary flavors like tomato, spinach, and bacon is a timeless one, found in various forms across different cuisines. Think of the Mediterranean influence with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, or the classic American comfort of bacon and chicken. It’s a testament to how well these ingredients play together.

What makes Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, healthy and indulgent. The tomatoes provide a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the bacon, while the spinach adds a touch of earthy goodness. And let’s be honest, who can resist crispy bacon? This dish is incredibly versatile, too. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a weeknight winner. Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this simple yet stunning recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Tomato Spinach Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This is our simple but flavorful spice rub.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be nice and hot before adding the chicken.
5. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Tent it with foil to keep it warm while we prepare the sauce.

Making the Tomato Spinach Bacon Sauce:

1. Now, for the star of the show – the tomato spinach bacon sauce! In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t wash it yet – all those browned bits add flavor!), add the diced bacon.
2. Cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and the fat has rendered. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet – it’s liquid gold!
4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and stir to combine.
7. Add the thawed and squeezed dry spinach. Make sure you really squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach, otherwise the sauce will be too watery.
8. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together.
9. Add the dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to incorporate all the flavors.
10. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
11. If you want a richer sauce, stir in the heavy cream (optional).
12. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a lovely cheesy flavor and helps to thicken the sauce even more.
13. Finally, add the cooked bacon back to the skillet and stir to combine.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the tomato spinach bacon sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
3. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This also helps to keep the chicken warm.
4. Serve the chicken immediately. You can serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even just on its own with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can easily substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. They’ll take a little longer to cook, but they’re incredibly flavorful and juicy.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onion for a heartier sauce.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Mozzarella, provolone, or even a little goat cheese would be delicious in this dish.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you don’t like spice, you can omit them altogether.
• Make it Creamy: For an even creamier sauce, add a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese at the end.
• Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the onions and garlic for added depth of flavor. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You could also add some white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic served with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the tomato spinach bacon sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 450-550 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
Protein: 40-50g
Fat: 25-35g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g

Conclusion:

This Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it delivers on all fronts: it’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients. We’re talking juicy chicken breasts, savory bacon, vibrant spinach, and the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, all harmonizing in a symphony of deliciousness. It’s a complete meal in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment.

But beyond the sheer deliciousness, this recipe is a must-try because it’s so versatile. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a quick and satisfying meal, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The combination of flavors is sophisticated without being fussy, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens – even the pickiest eaters will devour the spinach when it’s nestled amongst the other delectable ingredients.

Looking for serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! I personally love serving this Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. You could also pair it with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and balanced meal. For a lower-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the dish beautifully.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese for extra richness. You could also swap out the bacon for pancetta or prosciutto for a different flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of spinach, kale or Swiss chard would work just as well. Feel free to use cherry tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes for a sweeter, burst-of-flavor experience. A splash of white wine during the cooking process can also elevate the dish to another level. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ready to give it a try?

I truly hope you’ll give this Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken recipe a whirl. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to make and how incredibly delicious it tastes. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, and one that you’ll turn to again and again.

Don’t be shy – share your experience!

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments – I’m always eager to see your culinary creations and learn from your experiences. Your feedback helps me to create even better recipes in the future, and it inspires others to try new things in the kitchen. So go ahead, get cooking, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!

---