Description
Creamy spinach artichoke chicken delivers a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal that combines classic flavors into one satisfying dish. Tender chicken nestles among rich, cheesy spinach and artichoke sauce, promising a delightful dining experience you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Base:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
Sauce & Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) chicken stock
- 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) whole milk
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Vegetables:
- 2 cups loosely packed spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 (14 ounce / 400 grams) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
Instructions
- Sear chicken in olive oil over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F. Transfer to a plate and let rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in oil until aromatic and fragrant.
- Add butter and allow to melt completely, creating a golden base for the sauce.
- Sprinkle flour into the butter mixture, stirring continuously for one minute to create a light roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock, milk, and cream cheese until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
- Simmer sauce until it thickens and develops a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate fresh spinach, chopped basil, and artichoke hearts into the sauce, seasoning with additional salt.
- Cook vegetables until spinach wilts and becomes tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to integrate fully.
- Gently return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the rich, vegetable-laden sauce.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and cracked black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Chicken Selection Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Temperature Precision Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy chicken texture.
- Sauce Consistency Whisk continuously while adding liquid ingredients to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, creamy sauce.
- Dietary Adaptations Swap dairy products with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or nutritional yeast for lactose-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg