Chicken Breasts And Artichoke Hearts
Creamy chicken breasts with artichoke hearts offer a savory, tangy flavor profile perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions, combining rich sauces and tender poultry.
Ingredients
- 3 medium whole chicken breasts, halved ⓘ
- all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. brandy
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 2 envelopes chicken flavored bouillon ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 2 (9 oz.) pkg. artichoke hearts, thawed and drained well ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
- Stir in flour, salt, and white pepper until smooth.
- Gradually stir in brandy, lemon juice, water, and chicken bouillon.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth.
- Using a wire whisk, gradually blend in sour cream.
- Pour the sauce over the halved chicken breasts.
- Cover tightly and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, add drained artichoke hearts.
- Cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water and bouillon. You can substitute the brandy with white wine or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of flour slightly. Remember to thoroughly drain the artichoke hearts to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light dessert, like fruit salad, to balance the richness of the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered dish and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts And Artichoke Hearts contains roughly 799 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1643mg per serving (71% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and allows the sauce to adhere better to the chicken. For best results, plan ahead and defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I serve with Chicken Breasts and Artichoke Hearts?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread to soak up the sauce for a comforting meal.
Can I substitute artichoke hearts with another ingredient?
Yes, if you don't have artichoke hearts on hand, you can use chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms as a substitute. Both will add a nice flavor and texture to the dish, although the final taste will be slightly different from the original recipe.
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).