Hearty Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Recipe

Hearty Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Recipe for Dinner

Creamy, cheesy comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delectable spinach artichoke chicken skillet recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Loaded with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Every bite combines the rich, velvety essence of classic spinach artichoke dip with succulent protein.

The skillet creates a perfect canvas for melding together savory ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Fresh spinach and tender artichoke hearts nestle alongside golden-brown chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this irresistible dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Dive into this skillet sensation and savor every delicious forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Ingredient Breakdown

For Seasoning and Flavor Boosters:
  • Dried Basil: Adds herbal depth with a sweet, peppery undertone that complements the chicken perfectly.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers intense, concentrated garlic flavor without the raw bite.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances overall taste and brings out the natural flavors of other ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a warm, slightly spicy kick that elevates the entire dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a zesty, fiery accent for those who enjoy a touch of heat.
For Protein and Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main star of the skillet, best when fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base that adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
  • Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy, slightly sweet undertone that adds luxurious texture to the sauce.
For Vegetable and Sauce Components:
  • Ghee or Olive Oil: Acts as a cooking fat that prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
  • Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic flavor that forms the flavor foundation of the sauce.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, creating a flavor base for the entire skillet.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Introduces a tender, slightly tangy element that pairs beautifully with spinach.
  • Spinach: Provides a fresh, vibrant green color and nutritious boost to the meal.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish with its citrusy, tangy notes.
  • Arrowroot Starch: Helps thicken the sauce naturally without altering the flavor profile.

Tools to Prepare Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for precise ingredient chopping and preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring seasonings and spices.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly and prevent lumps.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
  • Plate: Used for setting aside cooked chicken during sauce preparation.

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Effortlessly

  • Chicken Prep

Select fresh chicken breasts and season with aromatic herbs and spices including basil and garlic powder.

  • Initial Cooking

Warm a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through, creating delicious caramelized edges.

  • Flavor Base

Sauté minced garlic and onions in the same pan, releasing their rich, warming aromatics into the cooking surface.

  • Creamy Sauce Creation

Whisk together a silky liquid mixture combining broth, coconut milk, and subtle citrus notes, allowing it to gently thicken.

  • Vegetable Harmony

Add tender artichoke hearts and vibrant spinach, letting them gracefully mingle with the developing sauce.

  • Final Assembly

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the luscious vegetable sauce, creating a harmonious one-pan meal.

  • Serving Suggestion

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth and serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot.

Flavor Tips for Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet

  • Replace chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor or try turkey cutlets for a leaner option.
  • Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or mushrooms to increase nutrient content and create more depth in the dish.
  • Experiment with different herbs such as fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to transform the sauce's flavor profile and add unexpected complexity.
  • Use cornstarch instead of arrowroot starch and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
  • Sprinkle grated parmesan or crumbled feta on top just before serving to elevate the creamy texture and add a tangy punch.

Presentation Ideas for Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet

  • Creamy Comfort Meal: Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.
  • Mediterranean Plating Paradise: Serve over fluffy quinoa or herbed rice to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Veggie Side Symphony: Pair with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to add extra nutrition and color to your plate, balancing the rich, creamy chicken skillet.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a light chardonnay to enhance the lemony, herbal notes of the recipe.

Storage Tips for Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up multiple chicken breasts during weekend meal prep. Extra portions stay fresh in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers sealed in glass containers for maximum freshness. Consume within 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and food safety.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Separate chicken and sauce before freezing to prevent soggy textures. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Pro Tips: Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat to retain sauce's creamy consistency. Add small splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating.
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Hearty Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Recipe

Hearty Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty spinach artichoke chicken skillet delivers comforting Mediterranean flavors with creamy textures. Cheesy, herb-infused goodness makes satisfying meals come alive for home cooks seeking bold, quick dinner solutions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 small-medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 large halved)
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp ghee (or olive oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 (13.5 oz / 400 ml) can unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups packed spinach
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Seasoning: Infuse chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of dried basil, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
  2. Searing: Heat ghee or olive oil in a skillet over medium flame, creating a golden-brown crust on chicken breasts. Cook until internal temperature confirms doneness, approximately 6-8 minutes per side, then transfer to a separate plate.
  3. Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, introduce additional ghee or olive oil, deglazing with minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, releasing their complex flavors.
  4. Sauce Creation: Whisk chicken broth, coconut milk, lemon juice, arrowroot starch, salt, and black pepper into a smooth liquid. Simmer gently, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.
  5. Vegetable Integration: Reduce heat and incorporate artichoke hearts and spinach leaves into the creamy sauce. Gently cook until spinach wilts and melds seamlessly with the surrounding flavors.
  6. Final Assembly: Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the vibrant spinach-artichoke sauce. Ensure each breast is generously coated and heated through.
  7. Presentation: Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of color and subtle heat. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and full of aromatic promise.

Notes

  • Seasoning Secret: Generously coat chicken with dried herbs and spices to create a deep, layered flavor foundation before cooking.
  • Searing Technique: Achieve a golden-brown crust by using medium heat and allowing enough time for proper caramelization without burning.
  • Sauce Stability: Whisk arrowroot starch thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky sauce consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.
  • Temperature Watch: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing both safety and juicy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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