My Cozy Kitchen Helper
I love my slow cooker. It feels like a friend in the kitchen. You just add things, close the lid, and walk away. It makes the whole house smell like dinner is hugging you.
This creamy spinach artichoke chicken is a perfect example. It’s truly a dump and go slow cooker meal. You put almost everything in at once. Then you get hours of freedom. I think that’s magic.
A Happy Little Accident
This recipe was a happy accident. One day, I was making my famous spinach artichoke dip. My grandson asked, “But where’s the chicken, Grandma?” So I added some! We turned our favorite dip into a full crockpot chicken dinner.
Now it’s a family favorite slow cooker recipe. The creamy sauce coats the tender chicken so well. Doesn’t that sound good? It proves the best meals often come from simple ideas. That’s why this matters. Cooking should be fun, not perfect.
Why This Meal Works
This is one of my easy slow cooker meals for busy nights. You cut the chicken and cube the cream cheese. Then everything goes in the pot. The slow cooker does the hard work of making it creamy and tender.
*Fun fact: The Dijon mustard is my secret. You won’t taste mustard. It just makes all the other flavors pop and sing together!* I love little tricks like that. What’s your secret kitchen ingredient? I’d love to know.
Putting It All Together
Spray your slow cooker first. This helps so much with cleanup later. Add your chicken pieces, the chopped artichokes, and all those creamy things. The garlic powder, cheeses, sour cream, and that secret mustard.
Give it a good stir after the first 30 minutes. This helps the cream cheese melt evenly. Then just let it cook low and slow. The smell will tell you when it’s almost ready. That’s why this matters. Good food engages all your senses.
The Finishing Touch
Right at the end, you stir in the fresh spinach. I use the whole bag. It looks like a lot, but it wilts down into that creamy sauce. It turns the whole pot a beautiful, bright green. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
And there you have it. A big pot of slow cooker spinach artichoke chicken. It’s rich, comforting, and full of veggies. Do you prefer to serve yours over rice, pasta, or just by itself? Tell me your favorite way.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 1.5 – 2 lbs | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Marinated artichoke hearts | 12 oz jar | Chopped and drained |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz brick | Cut into 8 cubes; reduced fat can be used |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | Shredded |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | Reduced fat can be used |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1/2 cup | Shredded |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon | |
| Fresh baby spinach | 6 oz | Added at the end to wilt |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | If needed |
| Nonstick cooking spray | As needed | For greasing the slow cooker |
Instructions
Step 1: First, spray your slow cooker well. This keeps our creamy spinach artichoke chicken from sticking. Now, let’s get everything ready. I love easy slow cooker meals like this.
Step 2: Next, add almost all ingredients to the pot. Put in the chicken, artichokes, and cheeses. Don’t forget the garlic powder and mustard. (Draining the artichokes well keeps the sauce perfect). This crockpot chicken dinner is a true dump and go slow cooker meal.
Step 3: Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes. This helps all the cheeses get soft and friendly. Then, give it a good, happy stir. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 4: Now, put the lid back on. Cook on low for 2.5 to 4 hours. The chicken must reach 165°F inside. What’s your favorite family favorite slow cooker recipe? Share below! This creamy chicken recipe is so tender.
Step 5: Finally, stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt for about 10 minutes. Taste it, and add salt if you like. Your slow cooker spinach artichoke chicken is ready to enjoy!
Creative Twists
Swap the chicken for meatballs. It turns into a fun, dippable treat. Add a can of drained white beans. They make it extra hearty and creamy. Serve it over crispy roasted potatoes. Instead of pasta, for a cozy change. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This creamy spinach artichoke chicken is wonderful over pasta. I also love it with a crusty bread for dipping. For something lighter, try it with a simple green salad. It’s the best part of slow cooker chicken recipes. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Cozy Chicken Cozy
Let’s talk about storing your creamy spinach artichoke chicken. It keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just pop it in a sealed container. For longer storage, the freezer is your friend. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. It will be good for up to three months.
I remember my first time freezing this dish. I was so proud of my big batch. Thawing it overnight in the fridge made reheating a breeze. To reheat, use the stove on low. Add a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Batch cooking this recipe matters. It gives you a delicious dinner on your busiest nights. You deserve a break, and future-you will be so thankful. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Even easy slow cooker meals can have little issues. First, a sauce that’s too thin. If this happens, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water. Stir it into the hot crockpot chicken dinner. Let it cook for ten more minutes.
Second, the spinach can get soggy. I once added it way too early. Now I always stir it in at the very end. Let it wilt from the dish’s heat. This keeps a nice texture and bright green color.
Third, the chicken might be dry. This usually means it cooked too long. Try a shorter time on the low setting. Fixing these small problems builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors in your family favorite slow cooker recipe shine. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What to serve with creamy artichoke spinach chicken?
This creamy chicken recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles. They soak up the delicious sauce. For something lighter, serve it with a crisp green salad. Steamed asparagus or crusty bread are also perfect choices. These sides make your crockpot chicken dinner feel complete and satisfying for everyone at the table.
How long does creamy artichoke spinach chicken last in the fridge?
Your slow cooker spinach artichoke chicken will stay fresh for three days. Store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Always make sure it has cooled down before you put the lid on. This is a great make-ahead meal for easy slow cooker meals during a busy week. Just reheat gently on the stove when you are ready to eat.
Can I use frozen spinach in creamy artichoke spinach chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely first. Squeeze out all the extra water with your hands. This step is very important. If you skip it, your sauce will be watery. Then, stir the drained spinach in at the end just like the fresh. It’s a handy swap for this dump and go slow cooker meal.
What wine pairs well with creamy artichoke spinach chicken?
A crisp white wine is lovely with this rich dish. Try a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Their bright acidity cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon is perfect. The goal is a drink that refreshes your palate between bites of this decadent spinach artichoke dip chicken.
Can I make creamy artichoke spinach chicken in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed as a slow cooker chicken recipe. Using your crock pot makes it incredibly easy. You just add most ingredients and let it cook. The long, slow heat makes the chicken tender and the flavors deep. It is the ultimate easy slow cooker meal for a comforting, hands-off dinner any night of the week.
How do I thicken my creamy artichoke spinach chicken sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, make a quick slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mix into the hot crock pot spinach artichoke chicken. Let it cook on high for about ten more minutes. The sauce will thicken up nicely. This is a common fix for many creamy slow cooker recipes.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cozy recipe as much as I do. It truly is a family favorite slow cooker recipe in my home. *Fun fact: artichokes are actually the bud of a thistle flower!* I love hearing your stories and seeing your versions.
Your kitchen adventures make me smile. Please tell me all about them. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below. I read every single one.
Happy cooking!
—Danielle Monroe
Creamy Artichoke Spinach Chicken
Description
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker liberally with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add all ingredients, other than spinach, to slow cooker: boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite sized pieces), drained and chopped marinated artichoke hearts, garlic powder, cream cheese (cut into cubes), shredded parmesan cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and dijon mustard.
- Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes until all cheeses are softened or melted.
- Open slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Replace cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 4 more hours. The dish is ready when chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of 165℉.
- About 10 minutes prior to serving, stir in fresh baby spinach and allow to fully wilt.
- Add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition information is per serving, based on 6 servings: Calories: 472kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 176mg, Sodium: 817mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g.