Are you tired of bland, boring chicken dinners that leave you feeling uninspired? Prepare to be amazed by our Zesty Chicken with Artichokes - a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your home cooking game! This recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken with tangy artichoke hearts and a bright lemon kick that will make your dinner guests think you've trained in a professional kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1 can of artichoke hearts (14 oz), 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This will help lock in the juices and add flavor.
- While the chicken is searing, drain the artichoke hearts and cut them into quarters if they are whole. Set them aside for later use.
- Once the chicken is browned, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth over the chicken to keep it moist during baking.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the artichoke hearts and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly warmed and infused with the remaining oil and flavors from the chicken.
- Juice the lemon, and add the lemon juice to the skillet with the artichokes, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour the artichoke and lemon mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the chicken.
- Serve the zesty chicken with artichokes on a platter, drizzling any remaining juices from the baking dish over the top. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Searing Secrets: When browning the chicken, don't move it around too much. Let it develop a beautiful golden crust by allowing it to sit undisturbed in the hot skillet.
- Lemon Freshness: Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat and artificial.
- Artichoke Selection: If using canned artichoke hearts, drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your dish.
- Resting Period: Always let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a light salad or roasted vegetables to complete your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 406kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 56g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 144mg
