Smothered BLT Chicken
Published February 15, 2023. Updated May 17, 2023
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Smothered BLT Chicken – Beautifully browned pan seared chicken breasts are blanketed with a flavorful sauce that’s generous with bacon, fresh tomatoes and spinach. There’s even cream and parmesan for a rich upgrade. It’s undeniably delicious!
The BEST Smothered Chicken
While this may not be a traditional smothered chicken like you’ll find in the South, this is my idea of something even better!
It’s easy to prepare and it has the most delicious blend of fresh flavors. It’s like a BLT sandwich transformed into a crave-able chicken dish.
One change here however is that we do substitute spinach for the traditional lettuce, the “L” of BLT. This is because lettuce wouldn’t hold up well to cooking and doesn’t have near as much flavor as spinach. Soggy lettuce, no thanks.
I’m nearly certain this is one of those entrees that will wow your family and friends. That’s basically a given right? Because it includes bacon!
I recommend pairing this with pasta of sorts, we like this lemon orzo. Then also steamed asparagus is a nutritious and colorful pairing.
Watch the Video!
Smothered BLT Chicken Recipe Ingredients
See below for full amounts and instructions.
- Bacon
- Olive oil
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic
- Grape tomatoes
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Cornstarch
- Fresh spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
How to Make Smothered BLT Chicken
- Cook bacon in a skillet until cooked through and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, set aside.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a clean 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Set pan over medium heat, add remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil. Add tomatoes and garlic and saute 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer 2 minutes.
- Whisk together cornstarch and remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp chicken broth. Pour into skillet and stir.
- Let cook and thicken, while stirring, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in spinach, cooked bacon and parmesan cheese. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Stir in heavy cream. Season sauce with salt as needed and pepper to taste.
- Return chicken pieces, and spoon sauce over.
Possible Variations
- Sun dried tomatoes: These would be a tasty substitute for fresh though you wont need as many since their flavor is more concentrated.
- Roasted bell peppers: Another tasty substitute to the fresh tomatoes. Roast your own, steam in a container then peel, or used bottled drained (chopped).
- Artichokes: I think these would be a great option in place of spinach. Use canned, well drained or frozen thawed and well drained. Chop them before adding.
- Cream substitute: If you have half and half on hand that will work as well it just won’t be quite as rich. You could reduce chicken broth to 2/3 cup (in place of the 1 cup) then use 2/3 cup half and half in place of the 1/3 cup cream and this will be about the same amount of richness.
- Parmesan substitute: Romano cheese would be a good alternative to this, or you may even find a some (well softened) cream cheese to be a tasty alternative.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try
Follow Cooking Classy
Smothered BLT Chicken
Beautifully browned pan seared chicken breasts are blanketed with a flavorful sauce that's generous with bacon, fresh tomatoes and spinach. There's even cream and parmesan for a rich upgrade. It's undeniably delicious!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 6 slices (6 oz) bacon, chopped
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 (12 oz each) or 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 10 oz. (2 cups) grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth, plus 1 1/2 Tbsp
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 cups packed (3 oz) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (1 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Add bacon to a 12-inch skillet, cook over medium heat, tossing occasionally until cooked and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
- If using 2 (12 oz) chicken breasts then butterfly and cut into 2 portions through the thickness. Pound each piece with a meat mallet to even the thickness. If using 4 (6 oz) pieces then pound each to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- Dab chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season each side evenly with salt and pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a clean 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Set pan over medium heat, add remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil. Add tomatoes and garlic and saute 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer 2 minutes.
- Whisk together cornstarch and remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp chicken broth. Pour into skillet and stir.
- Let cook and thicken, while stirring, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in spinach, cooked bacon and parmesan cheese. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Stir in heavy cream. Season sauce with salt as needed and pepper to taste.
- Return chicken pieces, and spoon sauce over chicken and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Smothered BLT Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 555
Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 13g81%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 15g
Cholesterol 164mg55%
Sodium 744mg32%
Potassium 1101mg31%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 47g94%
Vitamin A 3011IU60%
Vitamin C 19mg23%
Calcium 157mg16%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.