Description
Creamy lemon butter spinach and artichoke chicken delivers Mediterranean comfort with elegant simplicity. Cheese-laden protein promises rich flavor that satisfies dinner cravings while celebrating fresh ingredients in one delightful skillet meal you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken cutlets or small breasts
Seasoning and Coating:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose/gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chili flakes (to taste)
Cooking and Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 lemon (sliced + 1/3 cup lemon juice)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup broth
- 1/2 cup salsa verde (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 jar (12 ounces) marinated artichokes, quartered
- 1/3 cup cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400° F. Coat chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in a mixture of flour, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and sear chicken until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Melt butter in the same skillet, adding lemon slices, minced garlic, thyme, and chili flakes. Cook until butter turns golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Pour lemon juice, broth, and salsa verde into the skillet. Toss in fresh spinach and return chicken to the pan. Add artichoke hearts and cream, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Generously sprinkle parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Garnish with fresh chopped herbs before serving. Plate the chicken with its rich, creamy sauce for a vibrant and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make the dish celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
- Reduce cooking time for chicken breasts by pounding them evenly to ensure consistent thickness and prevent dry, overcooked meat.
- Balance the rich, creamy sauce by adding a splash of white wine or using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Enhance flavor complexity by toasting dried herbs before adding them to the skillet, which releases deeper, more aromatic notes in the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg