Creamy Chicken Artichoke Delight
This Creamy Chicken Artichoke Delight is a timeless family favorite that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table. Passed down through generations, this recipe perfectly marries tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce, hearty artichokes, and a delightful crunch from toasted almonds. Whether you're preparing a cozy weeknight meal or cooking ahead for a busy week, this versatile dish can be prepped in advance and baked when you're ready, making it an excellent choice for OAMC (Once a Month Cooking). Each bite is an exquisite blend of savory and creamy, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (Whole)
onion
1 cup (Chopped)
garlic
1 clove (Minced)
artichoke hearts
1 (10 ounce) can (Drained and halved)
cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
toasted almonds
1/2 cup (Chopped for topping)
flour
3 tablespoons (All-purpose)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
dry white wine
1 1/4 cups (Chilled)
chicken broth
1 cup (Low sodium recommended)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
3
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken and place it in a 2-quart casserole dish.
4
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Sprinkle the flour and salt over the onion mixture, stirring continuously until everything is smooth and well combined.
6
Gradually pour in the dry white wine and chicken broth, stirring constantly while you bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until it thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes).
7
Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
8
Remove the skillet from heat. Arrange the drained artichoke hearts evenly over the chicken in the casserole dish.
9
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and artichokes, ensuring everything is well coated.
10
At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours or freeze it. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before the next step.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
12
Five minutes before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top for an added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Artichoke Delight?
It is a rich and savory casserole featuring chicken breasts, artichoke hearts, and a creamy wine-based sauce topped with toasted almonds.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include chicken breasts, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, white wine, chicken broth, and toasted almonds.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the baking process take?
The dish should bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Is this recipe suitable for Once a Month Cooking (OAMC)?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an excellent choice for OAMC because it can be prepped in advance and frozen.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish. Ensure it is thawed in the refrigerator and brought to room temperature before baking.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
Brown the whole chicken breasts in melted butter for about 5 minutes on each side before placing them in the casserole dish.
When do I add the toasted almonds?
Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top of the casserole five minutes before serving to add a crunch.
What type of wine is best for the sauce?
A dry white wine is recommended for this recipe.
Can I substitute the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Do the artichoke hearts need special preparation?
The canned artichoke hearts should be drained and halved before being added to the dish.
What kind of chicken broth should I use?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to better control the saltiness of the dish.
How do I make the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from a base of butter, flour, wine, and broth, finished with melted cream cheese.
How long do I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Is the cream cheese added directly to the skillet?
Yes, add the softened cream cheese to the simmered sauce mixture and stir until it is completely melted.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
Ensure you simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes as directed to allow it to thicken and bubble.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free unless you substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, vegetables like spinach or mushrooms would pair well with the existing flavor profile.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, buttered noodles, or a fresh garden salad.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear.
Can I use fresh artichokes?
You can, but they must be cleaned, trimmed, and cooked until tender before being added to the casserole.
What is the purpose of browning the chicken first?
Browning the chicken adds a layer of savory flavor and improves the overall texture of the meat.
Is this recipe considered a family favorite?
Yes, it is described as a timeless family favorite passed down through generations.
Does the sauce use a lot of salt?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your taste preference.
Can I use different nuts for the topping?
While almonds are traditional for this recipe, toasted pecans or walnuts could also provide a nice crunch.