Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner solution: Creamy Artichoke Chicken! This incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy evenings. Featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, cheesy artichoke topping, it promises a taste experience that feels gourmet without the fuss. Prepare to make this a regular in your dinner rotation!
Looking for more lightning-fast and delicious dinner ideas to add to your repertoire? Don’t miss these equally satisfying and quick recipes: whip up some Chicken Caesar Wraps, dive into a bowl of savory Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, or sizzle up some Shrimp Fajitas. Each offers incredible flavor in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Artichoke Chicken Recipe
First created in 2008, this Artichoke Chicken recipe quickly became a cornerstone of my cooking philosophy, proving that fast, easy recipes don’t have to compromise on flavor. It taught me that minimal ingredients and a short cooking time can still deliver a truly memorable meal that the whole family will adore. This dish stands as a testament to that belief, offering a robust and comforting taste in under half an hour.
We are massive fans of artichokes in our household, and this recipe truly celebrates their unique, earthy flavor. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken breasts, succulent and tender, crowned with a luscious, creamy, and cheesy artichoke topping. It’s the ideal blend of textures and tastes, designed for those busy weeknights when you crave something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple to prepare, yet bursting with sophisticated flavors, it’s the ultimate combination of easy and delicious!
Essential Ingredients for Artichoke Chicken
Crafting this quick and flavorful Artichoke Chicken requires just a few key ingredients. Each plays an important role in building the creamy, savory profile that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, you’ll need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each weighing approximately 8-10 ounces. Cutting them horizontally will yield four thinner portions, ensuring quicker and more even cooking. This method is crucial for achieving that coveted 30-minute dinner timeframe.
- Rosemary: Dried rosemary is my go-to for its concentrated flavor and convenience, but fresh rosemary offers a brighter, more aromatic touch if you have it readily available. Its distinctive piney notes perfectly complement the chicken and artichokes, adding depth to the seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: These foundational seasonings enhance all the other flavors in the dish. While specific measurements are provided in the recipe card below, always feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your personal taste preferences. Proper seasoning is key to a truly delicious meal.
- Oil: A tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is used to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken breasts, locking in moisture and flavor. If you prefer, other oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, can be easily substituted.
- Artichoke Hearts: The star of the show! While frozen artichoke hearts can be used (ensure they are thawed and thoroughly drained), canned artichoke hearts are generally the easiest and most convenient option. Whether you choose whole hearts or quartered, simply chop them to your desired consistency. Their briny, slightly sweet flavor is what truly defines this dish.
- Mayonnaise: This ingredient is essential for creating the incredibly creamy and rich texture of the artichoke topping. I typically opt for light mayonnaise to keep the dish a bit lighter, but regular mayonnaise will work just as beautifully and provide an even richer consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor and melt, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended. Its salty, nutty notes blend wonderfully with the artichokes and mayonnaise, creating a deeply satisfying, cheesy crust when broiled. Avoid pre-grated varieties if possible, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also brings a much-needed layer of freshness to the rich topping. Its herbaceous notes brighten the dish and provide a pleasant aromatic finish.
Mastering Artichoke Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this creamy Artichoke Chicken is remarkably straightforward, designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
STEP 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts. Begin by taking your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice each breast in half horizontally. This technique, often called butterflying or creating cutlets, yields four thinner pieces of chicken. Thinner pieces ensure faster and more uniform cooking, which is crucial for our 30-minute goal.
STEP 2: Season the Chicken. Once your chicken pieces are prepared, generously season both sides with dried rosemary, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure an even coating on each cutlet; this layer of seasoning will build the foundational flavor of your dish.
STEP 3: Brown the Chicken. Heat a sturdy skillet (cast iron works beautifully for this) over medium-high heat. Add your chosen oil, such as extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken cutlets into the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed until the bottom side is beautifully browned, which should take approximately 4 minutes. This browning step adds immense flavor and texture.
STEP 4: Prepare the Artichoke Topping. While the chicken is browning, you can quickly assemble the creamy artichoke topping. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, the majority of the finely grated Parmesan cheese (reserving about 4 tablespoons for later), and the fresh chopped parsley. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This mixture is the heart of the dish’s flavor.
STEP 5: Finish Browning. After the first side of the chicken is browned, flip each piece over. Continue to cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the second side is also nicely browned. At this stage, the chicken may not be completely cooked through, but the browning on both sides is essential for flavor and appearance.
STEP 6: Top and Broil. Turn off the heat under the skillet. Evenly spread the prepared creamy artichoke mixture over the top of each browned chicken breast. Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan cheese over the artichoke topping. Carefully transfer the entire skillet into the preheated oven, with the broiler turned on to high. Broil just until the topping is beautifully melted, golden brown, and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked through. This final step should only take about 4-6 minutes, so keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Customization for Perfect Artichoke Chicken
Elevate your Artichoke Chicken with these helpful tips and creative variations, ensuring a perfectly cooked and personalized meal every time.
Achieving Evenly Cooked Chicken
For the best results, it’s crucial to ensure your chicken breasts are of an even thickness. After slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, if any pieces appear thicker than others, gently pound them with a meat mallet (or the flat side of a heavy pan) until they are uniform. This simple step guarantees that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing thinner sections from overcooking and becoming dry while thicker parts finish cooking.
Spice and Herb Variations
While rosemary offers a classic and delightful flavor, don’t hesitate to customize the seasoning blend to your preference. Instead of rosemary, consider using:
- Italian Seasoning: A versatile blend that adds a Mediterranean flair.
- Chicken Seasoning: Many pre-made blends are available that complement chicken beautifully.
- Herbes de Provence: For a more floral and fragrant profile.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth and color.
- Thyme or Oregano: Either fresh or dried, these herbs pair wonderfully with chicken and artichokes.
Feel free to experiment with any combination of seasonings that you enjoy!
Boost the Flavor with Garlic
For those who love a robust garlic flavor, there are a couple of ways to incorporate it into this Artichoke Chicken.
- Minced Fresh Garlic: Stir 1-2 cloves of finely minced garlic directly into the creamy artichoke topping mixture. This will infuse the topping with a pungent, aromatic kick.
- Garlic Powder: For a more subtle and evenly distributed garlic note, sprinkle a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder over the chicken when seasoning, or mix it into the artichoke topping.
Broiler Management for a Golden Finish
The broiler is key to achieving that perfectly golden, bubbly topping. However, broilers can be intense, and ovens vary. If you notice the topping browning too rapidly before the chicken is fully cooked through, simply adjust the position of your pan. Move it to a lower rack in the oven, further away from the heating element. This will allow the chicken more time to cook through gently while the topping finishes browning to perfection.
Serving Suggestions
This Artichoke Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
- Roasted Potatoes: As pictured, they are a fantastic, hearty accompaniment.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli are light and healthy options.
- Rice or Quinoa: A simple bed of rice or quinoa will soak up the delicious juices and creamy topping.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
While best served fresh, you can prepare certain components ahead of time.
- Topping: The artichoke mixture can be made up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Cooked Chicken: Leftover Artichoke Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
More Irresistible Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of flavorful and easy chicken dishes, you’ll love these other culinary creations from our kitchen:
Sesame Chicken
Classic Chicken Pot Pie
Quick ‘n Crunchy Potato Chip Chicken
Flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken
Easy Chicken Stuffed Crescents
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get delicious new recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week! Join our community for more family-friendly inspiration and culinary adventures on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Artichoke Chicken
Pin
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8-10 oz each)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts*
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 ounces parmesan cheese finely grated, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to high.
- Cut each chicken bread in half horizontally to make 4 thin portions. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook until browned, about 4 minutes, then turn over and cook the other side for an additional 4 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine the artichoke hearts, mayonnaise. Set aside 4 tablespoons of the parmesan cheese, and add the remaining cheese plus the parsley to the artichoke mixture. Stir to combine.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, turn off the heat and spread the artichoke mixture over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the reserved parmesan cheese over the top.
- Transfer to the oven and broil until the topping is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. If the topping starts to brown too much, adjust where the pan is in your oven.
- Serve the chicken warm.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.