Nita’s Chicken and Artichoke Hearts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description:
This comforting dish is one of my all-time favorites, with an Italian twist that gives it a unique depth of flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers with juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil, creating a rich, savory gravy. Serve it over creamy garlic mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite pasta to soak up every delicious drop of the sauce. Enjoy this hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken parts | 2 pieces |
| Shortening | 2 tablespoons |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Frozen artichoke hearts | 2 cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 452.2 kcal |
| Fat | 25.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 117.5 mg |
| Sodium | 641.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14.8 g |
| Fiber | 4.4 g |
| Sugars | 3.6 g |
| Protein | 40.1 g |
Instructions
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Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor as it browns.
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Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the shortening over medium-high heat until it melts and coats the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them on both sides. This process should take about 4-5 minutes per side, allowing the chicken to develop a nice, golden color.
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Drain Excess Fat: Once the chicken is browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet, leaving only a light coating to cook the ingredients in the next steps.
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Simmer the Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with their juices and the basil. Pour this mixture over the chicken, making sure it is well distributed in the skillet.
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Cook Slowly: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the chicken to cook slowly for 45 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
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Add Artichoke Hearts: After 45 minutes, add the frozen artichoke hearts to the skillet, stirring them gently to incorporate them into the sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the artichokes are heated through and the sauce is thickened to your liking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve this flavorful chicken and artichoke dish over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy each bite of this richly sauced, Italian-inspired meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top adds an extra layer of richness that complements the flavors beautifully.
