Use What You Have
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 (14.6 ounce) can whole artichoke hearts in water, drained and halved
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
- Heat olive oil and butter together in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
- Once the butter is sizzling, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- Brown one side of the chicken pieces for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn the chicken, then add the diced red onion, minced garlic, and fresh basil.
- Cook, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and the onion has softened, about 3 minutes.
- Season the mixture with red pepper flakes, then add the artichokes and diced tomatoes.
- Stir in the chopped spinach, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Italian seasoned bread crumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the skillet contents.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 25 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.
Cooks Note:
- It is only necessary to brown one side of the chicken pieces as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 524
- Total Fat: 17g (21% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 6g (30% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 160mg (53% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 766mg (33% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g (11% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 9g (33% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 63g (127% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 27mg (30% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 259mg (20% Daily Value)
- Iron: 4mg (24% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 1100mg (23% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
History of Origin
The Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake draws inspiration from the classic spinach and artichoke dip, a beloved American appetizer that rose to popularity in the mid-20th century. As home cooks sought ways to transform crowd-pleasing flavors into hearty meals, the idea of combining the creamy, vegetable-rich mixture with chicken emerged. Over time, this adaptation evolved into a baked entre, blending convenience with comforting, familiar tastes.
Regional Features
While the dish is considered a modern American invention, it carries subtle influences from Mediterranean cuisine. The use of artichokes, spinach, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese reflects ingredients common in Southern European diets. In coastal regions of the U.S., cooks may enrich the bake with local herbs or replace tomatoes with sun-dried varieties, giving the dish a more rustic character.
How It Differs From Similar Dishes
Unlike traditional creamy casseroles, this bake emphasizes fresh vegetables and a lighter texture. Instead of relying on heavy sauces, the moisture comes from tomatoes, spinach, and the natural juices of chicken. Its crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan topping sets it apart from cream-based chicken bakes or stuffed chicken dishes, delivering a contrast of textures without overwhelming richness.
Where It Is Typically Served
The Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake is often featured at family dinners, potlucks, and weeknight gatherings thanks to its simplicity and balanced flavor profile. Many cafs and casual restaurants also serve variations of this dish, especially those focused on wholesome, vegetable-forward meals. Its versatility makes it suitable both for cozy home cooking and modern menu offerings.
Interesting Facts
Artichokes have been cultivated for thousands of years and were once considered a delicacy for royalty. Spinach, another ancient ingredient, was prized for its nutrient density long before it became a staple in contemporary American comfort dishes. Combining these nutrient-rich vegetables with lean chicken creates a meal that is both flavorful and satisfying. The bake format also allows for countless variations, making it a favorite canvas for experimentation among home chefs.
FAQ about Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake Recipe
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