Name: Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken breast; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper; 2 tablespoons Butter; 2 cloves Garlic; 15 ounces Artichoke hearts; 1 tablespoon Flour; 2 cups Spinach; 1 1/4 cups Milk; 4 ounces Cream cheese; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

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There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy dish that fills the house with enticing aromas. That’s exactly what happens when you whip up a batch of Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. It was one of those chilly evenings when everyone craved something hearty and satisfying. As I stirred the rich sauce, blending the flavors of artichokes and spinach with tender pieces of chicken, I could already hear the satisfying “oohs” and “aahs” coming from the dining room. The joy of sharing a meal like this, where every bite is met with smiles, is what cooking is all about. For those nights when you want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is a true lifesaver. It brings together the best of both worlds: simplicity and flavor. You’ll feel like a culinary rockstar with minimal effort!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
35 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
27 g

Tools Used:
Whisk, Skillet, Frying Pan, Mixing Bowl

Why Try This Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet

Flavorful Depth

The combination of artichokes and spinach in the Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet creates a rich, comforting flavor profile that elevates the dish. Each bite bursts with a creamy texture that makes you feel like you’re indulging in a decadent restaurant meal.

Quick and Easy

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a gourmet dinner on the table in no time. You’ll love how you can impress your family and friends with such minimal effort.

One-Pan Wonder

Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup! After enjoying your delicious meal, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes to tackle. Just one pan, and you’ve created a masterpiece.

Customizable Ingredients

The versatility of this recipe allows you to swap in your favorite vegetables or even try different proteins. Whether you want to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even swap out the chicken for tofu, the possibilities are endless. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Comfort Food with a Twist

This isn’t just your standard chicken dish. The creamy sauce, combined with the unique flavor of artichokes, gives this meal a twist that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s familiar yet refreshingly different, making it perfect for every occasion.

Perfect for Entertaining

When hosting friends or family, this dish is a showstopper. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, yet simple enough for a casual weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, leaving your guests asking for the recipe!

Everything You Need for Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet

Let’s talk about the magic of the ingredients that come together in this delicious Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet. Each component serves a purpose and brings something special to the dish. The richness of cream cheese and milk creates that irresistible creamy sauce, while the combination of artichoke hearts and spinach adds a delightful freshness. It’s a balance of flavors and textures that simply works, and once you try it, you’ll see why these ingredients are the stars of the show!

1 pound chicken breast: Tender and juicy, chicken breast serves as the protein base for this dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, making everything taste more vibrant.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground: A touch of spice that brings warmth and depth to the dish.
2 tablespoons butter, unsalted: Adds richness to the sauce and helps in sautéing the garlic to perfection.
2 cloves garlic: The aromatic base that infuses the dish with flavor, making it utterly delicious.
15 ounces artichoke hearts, jarred: These tender hearts are the real star, providing a unique taste and texture that complements the chicken.
1 tablespoon flour, all-purpose: Helps thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables.
2 cups spinach: Adds a healthy green dimension and a pop of color to the dish.
1 1/4 cups milk: The base of the creamy sauce, contributing to its smooth texture.
4 ounces cream cheese: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and satisfying.
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth and a touch of nuttiness, enhancing the overall flavor.

How to Cook Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet

Cooking the Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps to create a dish bursting with flavor. You’ll love how each step builds on the last, leading to a creamy finish that’s sure to please!

To start, you want to ensure your chicken cooks evenly. Take a mallet or the backside of a spoon and pound the chicken breast to an even thickness. This ensures it cooks at the same rate and stays juicy throughout the process. After that, season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
Next, generously spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden color on both sides, and you want the meat to be no longer pink in the center. If you notice the chicken starting to stick to the pan, don’t hesitate to spray it again with cooking spray.
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it to keep warm. This helps retain the juices while you prepare the sauce.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. As it melts, finely mince the garlic and quarter the artichoke hearts. These will soon join the party!
Add the minced garlic and flour to the melted butter. Stir it all together and cook for about 30 seconds, whisking continuously. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your creamy sauce.
After 30 seconds, throw in the spinach and the quartered artichoke hearts. Sauté everything together for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld. You’ll see the spinach wilting down beautifully.
Now for the best part! Pour in the milk slowly while whisking. This will help to combine everything smoothly and scrape up any delicious brown bits stuck to the pan. Those bits pack a punch of flavor!
Once the milk is incorporated, add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until everything is melted and well combined. The sauce will become creamy and rich, and you’ll want to taste it at this point to adjust seasoning as needed.
Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Heat everything through gently, allowing the chicken to soak in all those luscious flavors. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Things Worth Knowing

Thickness Matters: Ensure your chicken is evenly pounded to achieve perfect cooking and tenderness.
Resting Time: Always let cooked chicken rest covered to keep it juicy before mixing it back into the sauce.
Whisking Technique: When adding milk, whisk continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth sauce.
Flavor Boost: Don’t skip adjusting the seasoning after adding the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese; every brand can differ in saltiness!

Substitutions and Tips

If you’re looking to make this Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet even more personal, here are some tips and substitutions to consider. Whether you want to tweak the flavors or have some fun with variations, I’ve got you covered!

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.
Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce.
Variations: Feel free to add in other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Serving: Serve this dish over a bed of cooked rice or pasta for a filling meal.

Serving This Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet

Serving the Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet is all about presentation and complementing its rich flavors. Here are some ideas on how to serve it up:

Ideal for Dinner Parties: This dish makes a great main course for dinner parties. Pair it with a light salad to balance the richness.
Perfect for Family Meals: It’s an easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy everyone at the table, making it perfect for family gatherings.
Seasonal Pairings: Serve with seasonal vegetables, like roasted asparagus in spring or sautéed greens in winter.
Storage Tips: Ensure to store leftovers promptly, as it’s best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.
Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can enhance both flavor and presentation.

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for the Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. If you decide to cook from frozen, you’ll need to increase your cook time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Always check the internal temperature to reach 165°F.

This dish is quite versatile! You can serve the Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet over a bed of rice for a hearty meal or alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables also pair wonderfully, adding a nice crunch and color to your plate.

To make the Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. Additionally, check your Parmesan cheese for dairy-free options or simply omit it for a lighter dish.

Absolutely! The Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet can be prepared ahead of time. Just cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

The Creamy Artichoke Chicken Skillet is a wonderful blend of flavors that makes it stand out as a comforting meal. With its creamy sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it tonight, and I promise you won’t be disappointed—your taste buds will thank you for this delightful dish!