Spinach artichoke chicken always sounded fancy to me until I realized… it’s honestly just a super easy, awesomely creamy crock pot recipe. Okay, stay with me: imagine coming home, tired and hungry, kinda desperate, and instead of ordering greasy takeout, you scoop out this cheesy, flavorful chicken that tastes like it should cost twenty bucks at some upscale joint. Sound familiar? I’m telling you, it’s a total weeknight hero minimal mess, maximum “yum.” Plus, picky eaters might surprise you on this one.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken Step by Step Photos
First, grab your slow cooker. You don’t need much prep. Chicken breasts go in first (okay, mine were half-frozen no one’s judging). Then I mix up cream cheese (softened, trust me), Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and drained chopped artichokes. Sometimes I sneak in a little parmesan or mozzarella if I’m feeling wild. Then let’s just pile that mixture onto the chicken, followed by a big ol’ handful of spinach (fresh is best, but hey, use frozen if you must). Pop the lid on, set it low, and forget it for about 4 hours. By the end, your house smells like you’ve been working hard. Shred up the chicken, stir, and you’re ready to roll.
Quick tip: If you like crispier spinach, toss it in during the last 30 minutes. Don’t overthink it.
“Tried making spinach artichoke chicken for the first time, and my teenagers even asked for seconds. That never happens. I’m shocked, in a good way!”
– Real Home Cook
Tips for Customizing Your Chicken Bake
Alright, let’s have a real talk about tweaking. Not everyone loves things the same way, right? So if you want more kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Got cream cheese haters? Sub in Neufchâtel, or just a bit of plain Greek yogurt for a tangier vibe. I’ve even swapped in thighs for breasts when the store shelves looked empty. Oh, and tired of artichokes? Mushrooms can stand in surprisingly well.
Some days, I use low-fat cheese to lighten things up (sort of). Want it extra creamy? Drop another scoop of sour cream in there. No rules. That’s what’s cool about this recipe spinach artichoke chicken just flexes around your moods and your fridge leftovers.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken
So, here’s where you make it “fancy.” Or not up to you! A few of my top serving hacks:
- Spoon spinach artichoke chicken over steamed brown rice (my lazy go-to… looks more impressive than it is).
- For pasta lovers, toss with penne or rotini for extra comfort points.
- Serving to guests? Add a leafy side salad and a warm baguette slathered in butter seriously, five-star restaurant vibes.
- Leftovers are epic tucked into a wrap or scooped onto baked potatoes.
You get choices. And having choices after a long day? I mean… come on.
How to Store Leftovers + Tips
Listen, this dish is a leftover miracle. Honestly, it gets even tastier after a day or two in the fridge. Just plop spinach artichoke chicken into an airtight container, and you’re set for up to 4 days. If you want to reheat, a microwave works fine, but a quick zap on the stove with a splash of milk gets things back to creamy perfection.
One warning: don’t freeze it. Cream cheese and spinach can go all weird and watery later. Another tip: serve leftovers folded into tortillas for lunch total upgrade from sandwich ham again.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Alright. Here’s what you need no fancy ingredients, promise.
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (water-packed works best)
- 2-3 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, defrosted and squeezed really dry)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (jarred or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, mozzarella cheese, lemon juice for zing
Spinach Artichoke Chicken
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy, flavorful slow cooker dish combining chicken, spinach, and artichokes for a comforting meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, defrosted and squeezed really dry)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, mozzarella cheese, lemon juice for zing
Instructions
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and chopped artichokes until well combined.
- Spread the mixture over the chicken, then top with fresh spinach.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken and stir to combine.
- Optional: For crispier spinach, add during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze, as the texture may become watery.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Common Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yep! Just be sure to squeeze out extra water or you’ll get a watery mess at the end.
Will this dish work with chicken thighs?
Absolutely. They’ll actually turn out juicier, in my opinion.
Can I prep the spinach artichoke chicken ahead of time?
Totally. Mix up the cheesy artichoke filling a day before, cover, and pop in the fridge till you’re ready.
Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free cream cheese and plain coconut yogurt. Texture isn’t exactly the same, but still super tasty.
Should I brown the chicken first?
You don’t need to, but if you want extra flavor, a quick sear before the slow cooker won’t hurt.
Your Next Cozy Crock Pot Obsession
Honestly, if you haven’t tried this spinach artichoke chicken yet, I kinda think you’re missing out. It’s easy, totally forgiving, and you’ll probably have most of the ingredients already hanging out in your fridge. Whether you serve it on rice, pasta, or even with just a fork standing at the counter (no judgment), this recipe brings serious comfort. Want more ideas and healthy chicken recipes? Check out Food Network for endless inspiration. Go ahead give spinach artichoke chicken a shot, and let me know how your version turns out!
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Hey y’all if slow-cooked comfort food makes your heart happy, you’re in the right place. 💛 Follow Crock Cozy on Pinterest for hearty casseroles, tender roasts, and weeknight dinners that taste like home.
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