Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Chicken Mushroom Artichoke recipe is your new weeknight go-to. It's packed with delicious ingredients, requires minimal cleanup, and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a healthy and delicious meal on the table quickly. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a fantastic blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced. If omitting the wine, proceed directly to the next step.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the artichoke hearts, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Finish and Serve: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Chicken Mushroom Artichoke:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure the chicken browns properly instead of steaming. Work in batches if necessary.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor. If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add other seasonings, such as red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Variations:
- Add Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use different mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This delicious Chicken Mushroom Artichoke recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills! It’s a healthy meal that’s both easy and delicious, making it one of the best recipes for busy cooks. This recipe is a testament to how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be.