This creamy spinach-artichoke chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, earthy spinach, and tangy artichokes in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish is a satisfying meal that's packed with flavor and nutrients. Serve it with crusty bread for a cozy dinner your family will love!
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Number of servings: 6 servings
- Serving size: 1 bowl
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
Ingredients:
- 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 g (14 oz) canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 150 g (5 oz) fresh spinach (or 100 g frozen spinach, thawed)
- 240 ml (1 cup) chicken broth
- 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Method of Preparation:
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the artichokes and spinach: Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Create the creamy base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the pot: Add the cooked chicken back into the stew, along with the dried thyme, dried basil, and lemon juice. Let everything simmer together for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Culinary Tips for Success:
- Use thighs for extra juiciness: Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender throughout the cooking process, but you can use breasts for a leaner option.
- Add greens last: If using fresh spinach, add it just before finishing to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
- Don't overcook the cream: Once you add the cream and cheeses, keep the heat low to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth texture.
- Go for low-sodium broth: To control the salt level in the dish, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust to taste.
- Brighten with lemon: The lemon juice adds a pop of freshness to balance the rich, creamy stew. Add it right before serving for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can! Simply thaw the frozen spinach and drain any excess water before adding it to the stew.
- How can I make this dish dairy-free? For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based cream cheese and Parmesan alternative.
- Can I make this stew ahead of time? Absolutely! This stew stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the meat and add it to the stew in step 5.
- What can I serve with this stew? Serve the stew with crusty bread, over rice, or with mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This creamy spinach-artichoke chicken stew is the perfect balance of rich, creamy flavors and nutritious ingredients. It's a comforting and indulgent meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up on a cozy evening, and enjoy how quickly it disappears from the table!