Golden baked chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic sauce, tangled with tender spinach and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, make this recipe a knockout dinner with both elegance and comfort. Every bite is rich with layers of flavor, from the smoky crispness of the bacon to the buttery smooth sauce infused with parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular weeknight into something memorable.

Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply craving a hearty, homemade meal, this recipe delivers bold taste without needing complicated techniques. It brings together classic favorites—chicken, spinach, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes—in a single skillet, resulting in an irresistibly satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Baked Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This dish is a go-to for anyone who loves creamy, savory comfort food but wants a touch of gourmet flair. The richness of the sauce is balanced by the brightness of the tomatoes and spinach, while the baked chicken remains juicy and tender. It feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

And did we mention the bacon? Because yes, that salty, smoky crunch adds an unforgettable finish.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting this dish right starts with a few essential kitchen tools:

Oven-Safe Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: This is crucial because you can sear and bake the chicken in the same pan, saving time and enhancing flavor.
Tongs: Perfect for turning your chicken without piercing it and losing juices.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: You’ll need these for slicing sun-dried tomatoes, chopping spinach, and prepping the bacon.
Whisk or Silicone Spatula: For smoothly blending your cream sauce without clumps.
Meat Thermometer (optional but ideal): Ensures your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature (165°F).

Ingredients for the Smothered Baked Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken Breasts: The hearty base of the recipe, chicken breasts become juicy and flavorful when baked in the sauce.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a light, earthy balance to the richness of the cream sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely sweet and tangy, these give the dish its signature Mediterranean flair.
Heavy Cream: The key to a rich and luxurious sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce to bring nutty, salty depth.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken and enhance the taste of the sun-dried tomatoes.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning throughout the dish.
Crumbled Bacon: Adds texture and a smoky punch to each bite.

How To Make the Smothered Baked Chicken with Creamed Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated parmesan and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly.

Step 3: Add Veggies & Bacon

Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts. Then sprinkle in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a little for topping.

Step 4: Smother & Bake

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce and veggies over the top of each piece. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from oven, top with remaining bacon, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Chicken Delight

Serve this smothered baked chicken hot and fresh from the oven with a spoonful of that luscious sauce over each breast. It pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up every bit of the creamy goodness.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of cream or chicken broth to keep it moist. This dish is also freezer-friendly—just cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and check that the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F. You can also slice into it to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a few extra minutes.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor will shift slightly but still be delicious.

What should I do if the sauce gets too thick?

Simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can sear the chicken and make the sauce in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. It makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Does this reheat well?

Very well! Just reheat gently with a bit of added liquid to keep that creamy texture.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this creamy, comforting dish, try these next-level chicken recipes for more dinnertime inspiration:

Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce — perfect if you want crispy texture with creamy depth.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps — an easy handheld version packed with melty goodness.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti — cozy pasta meets baked chicken.
One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta — the flavor cousin of this recipe, but with pasta included.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe — for a sweet-heat twist with a crispy bite.

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And if you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you use thighs or breasts? Add extra garlic or spice it up with crushed red pepper? I’d love to hear your twist. Leave a comment below and let’s cook together!