Chicken & Artichoke Hearts

Here's to being adventurous!  I've never liked artichoke hearts--I suppose this comes from my pre-disposition as a child to not like things like look healthy...or are kind of squeaky in texture...  Fortunately Z has definitely broadened my horizons!  This evening I was thinking about something to make for dinner, and I took it upon myself to try to incorporate the jars of artichoke hearts that I recently picked up at the grocery store. My journey found me to this recipe which is exquisite!  Please try and enjoy.

Ingredients:
1-2 TB unsalted butter
1/3 C all-purpose flour
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (I cut mine into small pieces)
4 TB lemon juice
2-3 TB lime juice
2 TB Worcestershire sauce
1 1/4 C chicken broth
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried basil
1 (13-14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 TB cornstarch
1/4 C water

Melt the butter (start with 1 TB and increase if you need) in a medium skillet over medium heat.  While this is melting, combine flour and salt in a small bowl, and gently press the chicken pieces into the mixture to coat.  Shake off all excess flour.  Arrange the chicken in the pre-warmed skillet and cook until lightly browned on each side (~8-10 min).

Once the chicken is cooked, place the pieces into a medium pot.  Add lemon juice, lime juice, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, bay leaf, and basil.  Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.  Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts, and continue simmering for another 8-10 minutes.

Mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Carefully pour the mixture into the pot with the chicken and broth, and cook (stirring occasionally) for 5-8 minutes, or until the broth has thickened.

Serve, cool, and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/lemony-chicken-with-artichoke-hearts/detail.aspx

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