Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Artichokes?
This is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring sautéed chicken breasts in a rich white wine sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, fresh thyme, and lemon.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be cut into 1-inch chunks and coated evenly with flour.
What is the easiest way to coat the chicken in flour?
Place the chicken chunks in a resealable bag with 1/4 cup of flour, seal the bag, and shake to coat the pieces.
How long should I preheat the pan?
Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes before adding the oil.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the chicken?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of canola oil.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
Sauté the chicken pieces for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they begin to develop a golden brown color.
What kind of wine should be used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of white wine; a crisp Chardonnay is also recommended for serving.
What should I do after adding the white wine to the pan?
Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer until the wine has reduced slightly.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken after the wine has simmered and reduced slightly.
How should the artichoke hearts be prepared?
Use 14 ounces of artichoke hearts that have been quartered and drained.
How are the sun-dried tomatoes prepared for this dish?
The 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomatoes should be julienne-cut.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Why is butter added to the recipe?
Two tablespoons of unsalted butter are stirred in to add flavor and richness to the sauce.
How long should the chicken cook once the vegetables are added?
Cover the pan and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
When should I add the fresh thyme?
Remove the pan from the heat first, then gently stir in the fresh thyme leaves.
How many sprigs of thyme are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 sprigs of fresh thyme with the stems removed.
What is the final topping for this dish?
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
What is a recommended side dish for this Mediterranean chicken?
It pairs beautifully with a vibrant Arugula Macadamia Salad.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as ideal for either a family meal or for entertaining guests.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter; if using salted, you may want to reduce the additional salt.
What is the total estimated cooking time for the chicken?
The chicken takes approximately 4 to 6 minutes of active cooking time plus simmering.
Is this considered a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as an easy dinner and a Mediterranean dish.
What flavor does the lemon add?
The lemon adds a fragrant touch and balances the richness of the butter and wine.
Can I substitute the canola oil?
While the recipe calls for canola oil, other high-smoke point oils like olive oil could be used for sautéing.
What does 'julienne-cut' mean for the tomatoes?
It means to cut the sun-dried tomatoes into thin, matchstick-like strips.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
While specific nutritional values aren't provided, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes are natural sources of fiber.