Baked Chicken with Artichokes

Sometimes a really good appetizer is all the inspiration you need to create an entirely new meal. And that’s exactly how this Baked Chicken with Artichokes recipe came about.

Years ago, my husband and I frequently visited one of the late Pete Rose’s restaurants in Boca Raton, Florida. Now, I wasn’t going there because I was a fan of Charlie Hustle, the Cincinnati Reds, or even baseball. My Cincinnati-born-and-bred husband certainly was, though!

Nope. I went for one thing: the artichoke dip.

It was a warm, cheesy bowl of artichoke goodness served with red, white, and blue tortilla chips. So incredibly good that I eventually recreated it at home. My Creamy Artichoke Dip has been a family favorite ever since, and it’s still one of the most requested appetizers at our gatherings.

Then one day, I had a thought. If that artichoke dip is so delicious, why not make an entire meal out of it? So that’s exactly what I did. I started with the same basic ingredients, added Parmesan and Monterey Jack cheese, then spread that wonderful artichoke mixture over seasoned, browned chicken breasts. Into the oven it went until the chicken was tender and juicy and the topping was hot, bubbly, and golden.

The result is a wonderfully flavorful dish with tender chicken tucked beneath a generous layer of cheesy artichoke goodness. And despite how impressive it looks coming out of the oven, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Baked Chicken with Artichokes is one of those meals that’s equally at home on the family dinner table or served to guests. And don’t be surprised when everyone asks you to make it again…and again.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Why You’ll LOVE This Baked Chicken with Artichokes


  • Inspired by a family favorite. All the delicious flavors of my Creamy Artichoke Dip turned into a satisfying chicken dinner.
  • Tender and flavorful. Seasoned chicken breasts are topped with a rich mixture of artichokes, cheese, and savory seasonings.
  • Easy to prepare. A quick sear, a simple topping, and a little oven time are all it takes.
  • Perfect for entertaining. An impressive main dish that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for guests.
  • Easy to customize. Add spinach, jalapeños, or crushed red pepper to give the artichoke topping your own personal touch.

What You’ll Need

  • Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of the dish. Choose pieces of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
  • Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt – The seasoning that makes this dish so memorable. Its blend of herbs and seasonings adds wonderful savory flavor.
  • Cooking oil, salt, and pepper – Used to season and brown the chicken before baking, adding flavor and a golden exterior.
  • Artichoke hearts – The star of the topping. I prefer marinated artichokes for their extra flavor, though canned artichoke hearts packed in water works just as well.
  • Cream cheese and mayonnaise – Create the rich, smooth base that holds the artichoke topping together. I prefer using real mayonnaise, such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s.
  • Parmesan and Monterey Jack cheese – Add savory, cheesy flavor. Monterey Jack melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a little sharpness.
  • Garlic powder and onion powder – Bring depth to the artichoke mixture without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Jalapeños – While optional, this adds a little zesty heat. Fresh, canned, or jarred jalapeños work equally well.

Recipe Tips

Brown the chicken first. Searing the chicken creates a flavorful, golden exterior before it goes into the oven. I prefer using a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet because both are excellent for browning meat.

Don’t crowd the skillet. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer with a little space between them. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam rather than brown. Cook in batches if necessary.

Skip the browning if you’re short on time. You can place the seasoned raw chicken directly into the baking dish and add the artichoke topping. Just allow enough time for the chicken to cook completely. While you’ll miss some of the flavor from searing, the dish will still be delicious.

Use an oven-safe skillet. For easier cleanup, brown the chicken in a large cast iron skillet, then spread the artichoke mixture over the chicken and place the skillet directly into the oven. One less pan to wash.

Choose the right artichokes. I prefer marinated artichoke hearts because they add extra flavor. If you use artichokes packed in water, drain them well and consider adding a little extra seasoning.

Don’t skip the Krazy Salt. Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt is the must-have secret ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive flavor. Start with the suggested amount and adjust to taste.

Add spinach. Stir approximately 2 cups of fresh baby spinach into the artichoke mixture for a delicious variation. Frozen spinach also works. Thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture first.

Give it a little heat. Add diced jalapeños or approximately ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper to the topping. Adjust the amount to suit your preference.

Try another cheese. Monterey Jack is my first choice because of its flavor and melting qualities. Mozzarella or Havarti also work beautifully.

Prepare the topping ahead. Mix the artichoke topping up to two days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, let it soften slightly so it’s easier to spread over the chicken.

Check the chicken’s temperature. Chicken breast sizes vary, so cooking time can differ considerably. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the thickest part reaches 165°F before serving.

How to Serve Baked Chicken with Artichokes

  • Serve the chicken over warm egg noodles, cavatappi, or farfalle. Spoon extra artichoke topping over the pasta for a delicious combination.
  • Pair with asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a lighter meal that balances the richness of the cheese.
  • For a lighter meal, I especially like pairing the chicken with a simple salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
  • Serve over steamed rice to soak up the flavorful juices or use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
  • Pair with tender roasted potatoes for a hearty, satisfying family dinner.
  • Serve with crusty French bread or dinner rolls to enjoy every last bit of the artichoke topping.
Food and Drink Pairing Recommendations at Zigeze

Drink Pairings

The combination of rich cheeses, savory artichokes, and tender chicken pairs especially well with drinks that offer freshness and balance.

Here are some of my favorites:

FAQs

Yes! I recommend preparing the artichoke topping up to two days in advance and keeping it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to prepare dinner, season and brown the chicken, spread the topping over it, and bake as directed. For the best texture, I prefer cooking the chicken fresh rather than assembling the entire dish several days in advance.

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a delicious alternative and tend to stay moist during baking. Cooking times may differ depending on their size and thickness, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

No. Browning adds flavor and color, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Simply season the chicken, arrange it in the baking dish, and spread the artichoke mixture over the top. Baking time may be longer, so check that the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

The chicken, artichokes, cheese, and mayonnaise are generally compatible with a lower-carb meal, but the total carbohydrate content depends on the specific ingredients and portions. For a lower-carb meal, serve the chicken with steamed vegetables, a green salad, or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or potatoes.

Choose chicken breasts of similar thickness, avoid overcooking them during the browning step, and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F. Remove it from the oven once it reaches that temperature rather than continuing to bake unnecessarily.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven until the chicken reaches 165°F. Avoid excessive heat, which can cause the creamy topping to separate.

You can freeze the cooked chicken, but the cream cheese and mayonnaise topping may separate slightly after thawing. For the best texture and flavor, I recommend enjoying the dish fresh or refrigerated rather than freezing it.

Baked Chicken with Artichokes
Baked Chicken with Artichokes

Baked Chicken with Artichokes

Recipe byAnnette (•‿•)
Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are topped with a rich artichoke and cheese mixture, then baked until hot and bubbly. Inspired by an artichoke dip served at a Boca Raton, Florida restaurant once owned by Major League Baseball's all-time hit king, Pete Rose, this Baked Chicken with Artichokes makes an easy, flavorful family dinner.
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Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 809cal

Recommended

Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt
Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt highly recommended ingredient for this recipe.
Hellman's Mayonnaise
Hellman's Real Mayonnaise is the go-to choice for its creamy texture and flavors.
Duke’s Real Mayonnaise
Duke’s Real Mayonnaise is an excellent substitute.

Ingredients

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 2 cups marinated artichoke hearts drained and quartered
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 cup real mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt more or less to taste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
  • ¼ cup diced jalapeños optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Nonstick cooking spray if using a baking dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with light dusting of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side, until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  4. Lightly coat a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the browned chicken breasts in a single layer. Alternatively, leave the chicken in an oven-safe skillet.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, softened cream cheese, optional jalapeños, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until evenly combined.
  6. Spread the artichoke mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is hot and lightly golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 809cal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 67g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1660mg | Potassium: 548mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1676IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 474mg | Iron: 2mg

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