🥘 Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach and Bacon

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 4 slices bacon, chopped

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken:
   Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Cook Bacon:
   In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.

3. Sear Chicken:
   Add olive oil to the skillet. Sear chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
   In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add Spinach & Bacon:
   Stir in spinach and let it wilt. Add back the crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Finish with Chicken:
   Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Simmer for another 5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.