Imagine a dish that combines the creamy decadence of spinach artichoke dip with tender, juicy chicken - all without the guilt of extra carbs! This Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner miracle. With just 10 minutes of prep and a hands-off cooking method, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's both incredibly delicious and diet-friendly. Get ready to transform boring chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, thawed and drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot, creating a single layer without overlapping.
- Spread the cream cheese, spinach, and artichoke mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and set to low heat setting for 6 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature.
- After 6 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure better spice adherence and more flavorful results.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most luxurious texture. Low-fat versions can separate during slow cooking.
- Drain the frozen spinach thoroughly - excess moisture can make your dish watery.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or dried Italian herbs to the cream cheese mixture.
- Invest in a good meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to help retain its juices, ensuring each bite remains moist and tender.
- If you prefer a golden top, briefly broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking for a beautiful finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 145mg
