Chicken-Artichoke-Cheese Spread
Creamy and savory chicken artichoke spread packed with Parmesan, toasted pecans, and fresh green onions, perfect for entertaining or a flavorful appetizer to serve with crackers or baguettes.
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and diced ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans ⓘ
- 4 green onions, minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned pepper ⓘ
- 7-8 onion stems (for garnish) ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients in a large bowl until well blended.
- Spoon the mixture into a 9x5 loaf pan lined with plastic wrap.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
- Invert the chilled mixture onto a serving plate.
- Garnish with onion stems and red chili pepper halved to resemble a present, if desired.
- Serve with crackers or toasted French baguettes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese together before mixing with the other ingredients. If you're looking for a tangy twist, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and diced to avoid large chunks in the spread.
Serving Suggestions
This spread pairs beautifully with crackers or toasted French baguettes, making it perfect for entertaining. It can also be served alongside a fresh vegetable platter for added crunch. Consider offering a selection of dips to complement the spread, such as hummus or a cheese dip, for a more diverse appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the spread to come to room temperature before serving or warm it slightly in the microwave. It can also be served cold, making it versatile for gatherings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Artichoke-Cheese Spread contains roughly 623 calories, with 20g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (200% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2446mg per serving (106% 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 canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to drain it well and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients, as this will help maintain the spread's texture.
How can I make this spread healthier?
To make this spread healthier, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and substitute some of the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the fat. Adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can also boost the nutritional value.
Can this spread be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the cream cheese. However, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.
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).