Cooking dinner should feel less like a chore and more like an experience you can enjoy. If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, Spinach Artichoke Chicken is the perfect recipe. This dish combines the comfort of a rich spinach-artichoke sauce with tender, juicy chicken breasts, creating a meal that’s restaurant-quality but easy enough to make at home. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Spinach Artichoke Chicken has a way of making any meal feel special. The creaminess of the sauce, the tanginess of artichokes, and the mild earthiness of spinach come together to create a dish that’s rich yet balanced. It’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests.
Here’s why this dish stands out:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and one-pan cooking, you won’t spend hours in the kitchen.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach and artichokes, you’re sneaking in veggies while indulging in comfort food.
- Customizable: Pair it with rice, pasta, or a side of roasted veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients for Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Here’s everything you need to make this dish, broken down into easy-to-follow sections.
For the Chicken
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
For the Spinach Artichoke Sauce
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Fresh spinach, chopped | 1 cup |
Marinated artichoke hearts, chopped | 1/2 cup |
Cream cheese, softened | 4 ounces |
Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven
If baking, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready by the time you’re done searing the chicken. - Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. If baking, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Artichoke Sauce
- Melt the Butter
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. - Add the Vegetables
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Then, add the marinated artichoke hearts and cook for another minute. - Make the Creamy Base
Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and creamy. - Add the Parmesan
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
- Assemble the Dish
Pour the spinach artichoke sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet or baking dish. - Cook the Chicken
- If Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If Cooking on the Stovetop: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the dish from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. - Serve and Enjoy
Pair your Spinach Artichoke Chicken with a side of steamed rice, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Tips for Perfect Spinach Artichoke Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients
Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality marinated artichoke hearts for the best flavor. - Check the Internal Temperature
Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F (74°C). - Adjust Spice Levels
If you’re sensitive to spice, skip the red pepper flakes. For a kick, add extra. - Make it Keto-Friendly
Skip the side dishes like rice or pasta and serve this over cauliflower rice or with a simple green salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~400 |
Protein | 35g |
Fat | 28g |
Carbohydrates | 6g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | ~600mg |
FAQs About Spinach Artichoke Chicken
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw the spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
3. What can I use instead of chicken breasts?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add even more flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream for heavy cream, and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
6. What sides pair best with this dish?
Garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or roasted asparagus make excellent pairings.
Conclusion: Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken Tonight!
With its creamy texture and bold flavors, Spinach Artichoke Chicken is the perfect way to elevate your dinner routine. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to satisfy. Try this recipe today and transform an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.
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Spinach Artichoke Chicken: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Spinach Artichoke Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy spinach-artichoke sauce for a dish that’s pure comfort food. Packed with savory flavors and made in one pan, this recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4 pieces
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper – To taste
For the Spinach Artichoke Sauce:
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Fresh spinach, chopped – 1 cup
- Marinated artichoke hearts, chopped – ½ cup
- Cream cheese, softened – 4 ounces
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – ½ teaspoon
- Salt and pepper – To taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- If Baking: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Artichoke Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Add the marinated artichoke hearts and cook for an additional minute.
- Create the Creamy Base: Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the spinach-artichoke sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet or baking dish.
- Cook the Chicken:
- If Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If Using Stovetop: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove the dish from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and marinated artichokes for the best flavor.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add or omit red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Make It Keto-Friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American