I love this meal. I make it for my family, for friends and even for big dinner parties. It is a perfect spring/summer dish. Pair it with a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for a nice touch.

ARTICHOKE CHICKEN

2 (18 oz.) jars marinated artichoke hearts
6 chicken breast (for big groups I use tenders)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup white cooking wine
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped green onions
4 or 5 cloves of garlic, minced
8 oz Muenster cheese, sliced (optional)

Spread artichokes and marinade in a 9x13 baking dish. In a shallow dish, mix Parmesan and bread crumbs. Coat chicken in bread crumbs. Arrange over artichokes. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. While chicken is baking, combine olive oil, wine, parsley, green onions and garlic. Whisk until well blended. REDUCE OVEN TEMPERATURE TO 350 DEGREES. Pour dressing over the chicken. Bake for 20 minutes longer. Top with Muenster cheese. Let stand until cheese melts. Serve immediately.

I don't usually use the muenster because of added cost and fat. I serve this with angel hair pasta and a salad. To plate it, put the pasta on the plate first then the chicken on top and spoon the sauce and articoke hearts over it all. This recipe is great when cooking for a group that may have vegetarians. They can leave out the chicken.


Now a great dessert to go with this is Lemon Cake. This is SO EASY because the base is a box mix!


LEMON CAKE

1 box yellow cake mix
1 pkg (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 cup sprite or 7 up
1 cup powdered sugar
2 TBSP lemon juice

In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, oil and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Gradually beat in the soda. Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched in center. While cake is baking, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth; carefully spread over warm cake.

Tip: be sure to use only 1 cup of soda. I can't tell you how many times I have gotten over confident, not looked at the recipe and poured in the whole can.


I have made this for a baby shower. Really cute! Cut the cake into squares. Pile squares in a pyramid shape on a large plate and place heads of 5 daisies here and there.