Delicious Chicken and Artichoke Bake: A Flavorful Casserole Recipe

Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a lively boil. Gently simmer the chicken breasts until they lose their pink hue at the bone and the juices flow clear, approximately half an hour. To ensure they are perfectly cooked, check with an instant-read thermometer; the temperature close to the bone should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Step 2

Meanwhile, while the chicken is boiling away, take a moment to blend together a delightful mix of mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a touch of curry powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set this flavorful concoction aside for later use.

Step 3

Once the chicken is tender, let it cool slightly before cutting it into delightful bite-sized pieces. Arrange these savory chicken morsels at the base of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Next, cut the artichoke hearts into small, delectable pieces and scatter them over the chicken. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a tablespoon of the preserved liquid from the artichoke jars over the mixture. Carefully pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken and artichokes, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated. Finish off with a generous sprinkling of Cheddar cheese on top.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to a toasty 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and toss in the bread cubes. Stir them in the butter until they turn a lovely golden brown. These buttery croutons will be the perfect crunchy addition to your casserole.

Step 5

Now, layer the skillet-toasted croutons over the casserole dish, ensuring an even coverage. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake until the top is beautifully bubbly, which should take around 30 minutes. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish fresh out of the oven!