Spinach Artichoke Chicken Crockpot
Hola! If there’s one recipe that makes me feel like comfort and health can actually hold hands, it’s this Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken. Growing up in sunny Orlando, I loved watching my abuela turn simple vegetables into magic.
This dish takes me right back to her kitchen, only with a modern slow cooker twist that makes dinner almost effortless. Tender chicken, creamy spinach, tangy artichokes, and melty cheese come together in a way that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
If you’re looking for crockpot dishes that check all the boxes, this spinach artichoke chicken is one you’ll want on repeat.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy comfort food without guilt: Using reduced-fat cream cheese keeps things light while still giving you that dreamy, creamy sauce.
- Minimal prep work: Just chop, toss, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you get on with your day.
- Family-friendly flavors: Mild garlic, sweet onion, and tangy artichokes make this a dish even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Versatile serving options: Pair it with pasta, rice, or enjoy it low-carb with a simple side salad.
- Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a great choice for busy weeknights or packed lunches.
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Try this creamy and comforting Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken for dinner. Tender chicken breasts, creamy spinach, tangy artichokes, and parmesan cheese come together in a flavorful crockpot dish that’s both family-friendly and meal-prep perfect.
Ingredients
- 8 cups spinach, loosely packed and chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 chicken breast filets
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/4 sweet onion, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp reduced-fat cream cheese (not fat-free)
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese, shredded
- 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place spinach, chicken broth, and chicken breasts into a 4-quart slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove chicken breasts to a platter.
5. Stir in cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and artichokes until creamy.
6. Spoon sauce over chicken.
7. Top with tomatoes and extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
For richer flavor, sear chicken before slow cooking.
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + 1/4 vegetables
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 243mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
Ingredients
- 8 cups spinach, loosely packed and chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 chicken breast filets
- 3 garlic cloves, fresh and chopped
- 1/4 sweet onion, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (not fat-free)
- 4 tablespoons parmesan cheese, shredded
- 14 ounces artichoke hearts (canned or jarred, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Spinach | Use fresh spinach for the best texture, but frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) works too. |
| Chicken breast | Choose boneless, skinless fillets for easier cooking and shredding if preferred. |
| Garlic | Freshly chopped garlic adds a deeper flavor than pre-minced. |
| Cream cheese | Reduced-fat keeps it light, but full-fat can be used for extra richness. |
| Parmesan cheese | Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged. |
| Artichoke hearts | Look for jars with olive oil for more flavor. |
| Tomatoes | Grape or cherry tomatoes add a sweet pop of freshness. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place spinach, chicken broth, and chicken breasts into a 4-quart slow cooker. Make sure the spinach is spread evenly to avoid clumping.
- Sprinkle chopped garlic, onion, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
- Just before serving, gently remove the chicken breasts and place them on a platter. This makes stirring in the final ingredients easier.
- Add cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and chopped artichokes to the slow cooker. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the creamy spinach artichoke mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Top with chopped tomatoes and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
- If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of warm chicken broth.
- For a richer flavor, sear the chicken briefly before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Double the recipe if you want extra leftovers for easy meal prep.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Layering is key: Keep the spinach at the bottom to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Stir at the end: Adding cheese and artichokes at the last step prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh produce: Fresh spinach and tomatoes give better texture compared to canned or frozen alternatives.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after plating so the sauce thickens slightly.
Recipe Variations
- Keto version: Skip the tomatoes and serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little kick.
- Cheesy upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or provolone for an extra gooey texture.
- Shredded chicken: Shred the chicken before mixing it back into the sauce for a casserole-style dish.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion the chicken and creamy sauce into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy spinach artichoke chicken over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad. Garnish with extra parmesan for a restaurant-style finish.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or a light pinot grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon works beautifully. Sides like garlic bread or roasted asparagus complement the dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Microwave reheating also works, but stir halfway to avoid uneven heating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking and food safety.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast for parmesan.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely, thighs add more flavor and stay juicier.
What size slow cooker should I use? A 4-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a larger slow cooker (6-quart or more) and adjust cook time slightly.
Is this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, skip the tomatoes and it fits perfectly into a keto dinner plan.
Can I meal prep this ahead? Definitely, cook fully, refrigerate, and reheat for quick weeknight dinners.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | 1 chicken breast with 1/4 vegetables |
| Calories | 246 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 82mg |
| Sodium | 243mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it tonight and bring a little comfort and joy to your dinner table.
Love comfort food? Check out our Easy Lemon Chicken Piccata.
