Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, indulgent flavors of spinach artichoke dip with perfectly tender chicken - all prepared in under 40 minutes! This Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a deliciously satisfying meal, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
- 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 mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Quickly sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden-brown color. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot to create steam and prevent burning.
- Place the seared chicken breasts back into the Instant Pot, then generously spread the spinach-artichoke cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to "Sealing", and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Spoon additional sauce from the pot over the chicken if desired.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and flavor absorption.
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen spinach for the best taste and texture.
- Don't skip the searing step - it adds incredible depth of flavor to the chicken.
- Invest in a good meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- For extra richness, use full-fat cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan.
- If your chicken breasts vary in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For a low-carb option, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
