Artichoke Chicken
A flavorful baked chicken dish featuring artichokes, tomatoes, and cheddar, accented with bacon and vermouth, perfect for a hearty family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the thawed artichoke hearts in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the artichokes.
- Season the chicken lightly with garlic and black pepper.
- Lay cooked and drained bacon slices on top of the chicken.
- Spoon vermouth over the entire dish.
- Bake for 40 minutes, then drain any excess liquid.
- Combine chopped tomatoes and grated cheddar cheese and spoon over the chicken.
- Add more garlic, pepper, and vermouth if desired.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot over rice with a green salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the tomatoes. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute the cheddar with a lower-fat cheese or omit it entirely. You can also use fresh artichokes instead of frozen, but be sure to prepare them properly. To save time, pre-cooked chicken can be used, making this dish even simpler to prepare.
Serving Suggestions
This dish serves beautifully over a bed of rice, which absorbs the delicious flavors. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving with garlic bread to soak up the sauce. It also pairs beautifully with Sister'S Quick 'N Easy Chicken Salad for a refreshing side option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Artichoke Chicken contains roughly 784 calories, with 51g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), protein (102% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 706mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh artichokes. Be sure to clean and cook them before adding them to the dish. Fresh artichokes will add a delightful flavor, but the preparation time will be longer compared to using frozen artichoke hearts.
What can I use instead of sweet Vermouth?
If you don't have sweet Vermouth, you can use white wine or chicken broth with a pinch of sugar as a substitute. This will provide a similar flavor profile while keeping the dish moist during cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).