Chicken Breast with Capers and Artichoke Hearts

I love artichokes! Artichokes are a very useful food.  They lend flavor and texture to a variety of different dishes.  One of my absolute favorite recipes is the Spinach and Artichoke dip that I got from the Olive Garden website.  I have since modified that recipe so that I do not have to buy Marscarpone Cheese, but still very delicious.  In this recipe, the artichokes add more than texture to the dish.  They had a very distinct flavor. I also love how the capers interact with the artichokes to give flavor.  In some previous recipes, I have substituted chopped green olives for capers, but I wouldn't make that substitute for this one.  They're just too important to the overall flavor of the dish.  This dish isn't for everyone, but we really loved it.

Chicken Breast with Capers and Artichoke Hearts

1 cup whole wheat or white flour

½ tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. white pepper, or to taste

1/8 tsp. black pepper, or to taste

2 lbs chicken breast tenderloins or strips

2 Tbs. canola oil

2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups chicken broth

2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

1 12 oz jar quartered marinated artichoke hearts, w/liquid

¼ cup capers

2 Tbs. butter

¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Combine flour, salt, and white and black peppers. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour and shake off excess. Heat canola oil and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, and no longer pink on the inside; set aside. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to dissolve the caramelized bits. Add artichoke hearts and capers, return to a simmer, and cook until reduced by half. Whisk butter into sauce until melted. Place cooked chicken back into pan, and simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to reheat. Serve on a platter sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley.

If you think you might be interested, give it a shot.  I wish I would have used angel hair pasta or rice, but Spaghetti was all I had on hand for some reason.  Maybe next time.  I hope you enjoy!!