Introduction: A Delightful Comfort Food Inspired by Valerie Bertinelli
If you’re looking for a delicious, wholesome, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends, then this Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole is the answer! Inspired by Valerie Bertinelli’s version on the Food Network, this casserole combines the best of tender chicken, fresh kale, creamy sauce, and savory artichokes. It’s packed with flavor, and its creamy, rich texture will surely make it a crowd favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or need a quick weeknight meal, this casserole is the perfect solution. In this article, we will walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and the various ways you can tweak this dish to your liking. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create this delightful Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole that everyone will love!
What is Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole?
Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal featuring tender boneless chicken breasts, nutritious kale, and artichoke hearts cooked in a creamy sauce made from milk, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is baked to golden perfection with a crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs. Not only does this casserole offer a rich, creamy texture, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a comforting yet wholesome meal.
This dish is a modern take on the classic casserole, offering a blend of flavors that come together beautifully in every bite. It’s perfect for those who want a balanced meal without compromising on taste. Plus, with the addition of kale and artichokes, this casserole is a great way to sneak in some greens while indulging in the creamy, savory goodness of the dish.
The Origin of Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole
Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a contemporary twist on traditional comfort food. Its roots lie in classic casserole recipes, which have been a staple in many households for decades. The inspiration for this particular recipe comes from Valerie Bertinelli, an American actress and television personality, known for her easy-to-follow, delicious recipes on the Food Network. She has a knack for making comfort foods both flavorful and nutritious, and this casserole is no exception.
The combination of artichokes and kale brings together two powerful ingredients that are both nutritious and full of flavor. Kale, often dubbed a “superfood,” is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while artichokes are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and various essential nutrients. This casserole makes use of both to create a healthy, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter their age or dietary preferences.
Ingredients: What You Need for Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole (Serves 4)
Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole:
- 2 bunches kale, stems removed, chopped
- 2–3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup 2% milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and roughly chopped
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
The ingredients are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store, so you can make this dish anytime you crave a wholesome, satisfying dinner. Let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this mouth-watering casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole
1. Prep the Kale
Start by preparing the kale. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the chopped kale and cook it until tender, which should take about 2 minutes. After it’s cooked, drain the kale, squeeze out any excess moisture, and dry it thoroughly. Removing the moisture is key to ensuring your casserole doesn’t become too watery when baking.
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until the pieces are golden and no longer pink in the center—this should take about 4 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté it until softened, which will take about 4 minutes. Once the onion has softened, sprinkle 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour over it and stir for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in ¾ cup of milk and 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly—this should take about 2 minutes.
4. Combine the Filling
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the kale, artichokes, cayenne pepper, and the cooked chicken (along with its juices from the bowl). Let the mixture cook for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through. Then, stir in 3 tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese to add richness to the filling.
5. Assemble and Broil
Preheat your broiler to high. While it’s heating, spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon the chicken and kale mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining panko breadcrumbs and 1 tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese. Place the casserole under the broiler, about 3 inches from the heat, and broil until the top is golden brown and crispy—this should take around 3 minutes.
Once done, remove from the broiler and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Variations of Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole
While the original recipe is absolutely delicious, you can experiment with different variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Swap Chicken for Turkey: If you prefer ground turkey or turkey breast, feel free to substitute it for the chicken. It’ll still provide the protein you need with a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: Try adding other veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the casserole for added texture and nutrients.
- Make it Dairy-Free: For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free dish, substitute the milk and Parmesan cheese with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and nutritional yeast.
- Make it Spicier: If you like a little heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
FAQs about Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole
1. Can I use fresh artichokes instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh artichokes. Just be sure to cook and chop them properly before adding them to the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of broiling and then refrigerate it for a day or two before broiling. When ready to serve, just broil it as instructed.
3. What can I serve with Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay will also complement the dish perfectly.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before broiling. Just make sure to tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then broil it until golden.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole
This Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to make, and with its healthy ingredients like kale, artichokes, and chicken, you can enjoy a wholesome meal without compromising on taste. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this casserole will undoubtedly impress.
By following the step-by-step instructions and trying out the variations, you can make this dish your own. So next time you’re looking for a comforting meal, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!
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Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Wholesome and Comforting Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal featuring tender boneless chicken breasts, nutritious kale, and artichoke hearts cooked in a creamy sauce made from milk, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is baked to golden perfection with a crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs. Not only does this casserole offer a rich, creamy texture, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a comforting yet wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches kale, stems removed, chopped
- 2–3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup 2% milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and roughly chopped
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray, for greasing
Instructions
- Prep the Kale Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add kale and cook until tender (about 2 minutes). Drain, squeeze out moisture, and dry well.
- Cook the Chicken Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
- Make the Sauce Add more oil if needed. Sauté onion until softened (about 4 minutes). Sprinkle flour over onion and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, then chicken broth. Simmer until slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Combine the Filling Stir in kale, artichokes, cayenne, and chicken (with juices). Cook until heated through, about 4 minutes. Stir in 3 tbsp Parmesan.
- Assemble and Broil Preheat broiler to high. Spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon in the mixture. Top with panko and remaining Parmesan. Broil 3 inches from heat until golden brown (about 3 minutes).
Notes
This hearty and flavorful casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep favorite. Serve it with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole , Artichoke Chicken Casserole, Kale Chicken Bake, Creamy Chicken Casserole, Healthy Chicken Casserole, Kale and Chicken Casserole
