KALE AND ARTICHOKE CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Kale and Artichoke Chicken Casserole image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 bunches kale, tough center stems removed, chopped into 2-inch pieces
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup 2 percent milk
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and roughly chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Nonstick cooking spray, for spraying the baking dish
2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the kale and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain, squeeze out any moisture and dry very well.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden on some sides and most of the pink is no longer visible, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon (the chicken will not be fully cooked).
Reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of oil if the skillet is dry, then add the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to dissolve the flour, then stir in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a simmer while stirring. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the kale, artichokes and cayenne, then add the chicken and any collected juices. Cook, stirring, until the kale and artichokes are hot and the chicken is just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan.
Preheat the broiler to high. Spray an 8-inch broiler-proof baking dish with cooking spray and spoon the mixture inside. Top with the panko and remaining tablespoon Parmesan. Broil about 3 inches from the element until golden brown in spots, about 3 minutes.