Easy Artichoke Chicken

Someone asked me recently if I prefer cooking or baking. I answered as I always do: baking. Ironically though, I bake very rarely anymore. I just don't have a lot of time and I don't eat a lot of refined sugar, so I pretty much only bake when I'm taking a dessert to a party or get-together. 

Cooking, though, I do a lot more often, because you've gotta' eat and cooking at home is generally cheaper and healthier than eating out. I don't really like to spend tons of time in the kitchen though, so I've developed a collection of quick-and-easy meals, and Easy Artichoke Chicken is at the top of the list.

This is one of my all-time favorite dishes to make and it's the recipe I've probably shared the most often with people. (Whenever I go to a bridal shower and I'm asked to share the recipe, this is the one I give!) It is so simple and easy and everyone loves it--even people who don't, as a rule, like artichokes. It's absolutely delicious served over hot brown rice and reheats well for leftovers. It's also very easy to double or triple this recipe - as long as you keep the ratios for the sauce constant, you can't go wrong.

I'm sharing the recipe here, because I've made several modifications to it over the years, but I can't take credit for this deliciousness--the original recipe came from Amanda Bibb on allrecipes.com. Check it out and try both versions and see which you prefer!

Easy Artichoke Chicken
adapted from Artichoke Chicken by Amanda Bibb on allrecipes.com
printable version

makes about 4 servings but can easily be doubled or tripled

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 15-oz. can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup light mayonnaise
1 cup Kraft Shredded Parmesan, Romano & Asiago Cheese (or shredded Parmesan)
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning (optional)
cooked brown rice for serving

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease or oil an ovenproof 9x9 baking dish. Place the chicken evenly in the dish.

In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, cheese, and seasoning. Add the artichoke hearts and mix well. Spread mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

Bake for 25-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve over the cooked brown rice.

What's your favorite go-to easy meal? Do you like to find new dishes to try on allrecipes.com?