Italian Artichokes and Chicken

Italian Artichokes and Chicken Recipe - A Flavorful Journey to Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Italian Artichokes and Chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful artichoke hearts in a rich sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine, combining classic ingredients like chicken, artichokes, and Parmesan cheese with a creamy sauce made from sour cream and white wine. It is a popular dish in Italian-American households and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

3 whole medium chicken breasts, about 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) total, skinned, boned, and halved lengthwise
1 clove garlic, minced or 0.5 tsp bottled minced garlic
2 tbsp butter
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, 10.75 oz (305 g)
1 carton dairy sour cream, 8 oz (227 g)
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 oz (57 g)
0.25 cup dry white wine
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, 6 oz (170 g), drained and halved
Hot cooked corkscrew macaroni or noodles (optional)
2 tbsp snipped parsley

How to prepare

Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.
In a 12-inch skillet, cook the garlic in hot butter for 15 seconds.
Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes or until it turns light brown, turning it once.
Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, stir together the soup, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, wine, and Parmesan cheese.
Add the mixture to the skillet, cover, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more or until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken to a platter or individual serving plates and keep it warm.
Stir the sauce in the skillet and add the artichokes.
Cover and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer or until heated through.
Serve with hot cooked macaroni or noodles.
Sprinkle with parsley.
Makes 6 servings.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or fontina, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure a nice brown crust.

- Use a good quality dry white wine for the sauce to add depth of flavor.

- Be sure to drain the artichoke hearts well before adding them to the dish to prevent excess liquid in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Artichokes and Chicken can be served with hot cooked corkscrew noodles or over rice for a complete meal. A side salad or steamed vegetables would also complement this dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Searing the chicken before adding the sauce helps to lock in moisture and flavor.

- Simmering the sauce gently allows the flavors to meld together and creates a creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

- Replace the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Artichokes and Chicken can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve on a platter with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Artichokes and Chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread would also be a tasty addition.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian Artichokes and Chicken contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian Artichokes and Chicken contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian Artichokes and Chicken contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian Artichokes and Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian Artichokes and Chicken is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, sour cream, cheese) and may contain gluten if served with pasta.

Summary

Italian Artichokes and Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Italian Artichokes and Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. With a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and tangy artichoke hearts, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the ways of the kitchen from my own beloved grandmother. She was a master in the art of cooking, and I was always in awe of her skills.

One day, while visiting my grandmother in her cozy little kitchen, she decided to teach me a new recipe that she had recently learned from a dear friend. It was a recipe for Italian Artichokes and Chicken, a dish that was both delicious and comforting. I watched as she deftly prepared the ingredients, her hands moving with the grace of a seasoned chef.

As she explained the recipe to me, I could see the passion and joy in her eyes. She spoke of the importance of using fresh ingredients, of taking the time to cook with love and care. I listened intently, eager to learn everything I could from her.

The first step in the recipe was to clean and prepare the artichokes. My grandmother showed me how to carefully trim the tough outer leaves and cut off the top of the artichoke. She then showed me how to scoop out the hairy choke with a spoon, leaving behind the tender heart of the vegetable. It was a laborious process, but one that my grandmother assured me was worth the effort.

Next, we prepared the chicken. My grandmother seasoned the meat with a blend of herbs and spices, explaining that the key to a flavorful dish was in the seasoning. She then browned the chicken in a hot skillet, creating a beautiful golden crust on the outside.

Once the artichokes and chicken were prepared, my grandmother combined them in a large pot with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and white wine. She let the ingredients simmer together, allowing the flavors to meld and mingle. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was heavenly, a tantalizing mix of herbs, garlic, and wine.

As the dish cooked, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her own experiences in the kitchen. She told me about the recipes she had learned from her own grandmother, and the dishes that held a special place in her heart. I listened with rapt attention, hanging on her every word.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the Italian Artichokes and Chicken were ready. My grandmother plated the dish with care, arranging the artichokes and chicken in a beautiful display. She sprinkled the dish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, adding the final touches to her masterpiece.

I took a bite of the dish, savoring the rich flavors that exploded in my mouth. The artichokes were tender and flavorful, the chicken juicy and perfectly seasoned. It was a dish that spoke of love and tradition, a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

As I finished my meal, I looked at my grandmother with gratitude in my eyes. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a dish that I would one day pass down to my own grandchildren.

And so, that day in my grandmother's kitchen remains etched in my memory as a turning point in my culinary journey. It was the day that I learned the recipe for Italian Artichokes and Chicken, a dish that holds a special place in my heart to this day.