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Hearty Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 19 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory slow cooker spinach artichoke chicken delivers comfort on a plate with creamy, cheesy goodness. Rich Mediterranean-inspired flavors merge seamlessly, promising satisfying warmth for you at dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breast filets
  • 14 oz (396 g) artichoke hearts, preservative-free or 6–8 artichokes from a jar, drained and chopped
  • 8 cups spinach, loosely packed, chopped
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 tbsps cream cheese, reduced-fat but not fat-free
  • 4 tbsps parmesan cheese, shredded
  • ¼ sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, fresh, chopped
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Layer chicken broth, boneless chicken breasts, and fresh spinach leaves in a 4-quart slow cooker, creating a uniform foundation for the dish.
  2. Seasoning: Distribute minced garlic, diced onions, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly across the chicken and spinach mixture to infuse deep, robust flavors.
  3. Cooking Process: Cover and set slow cooker to low (6-8 hours) or high (4-6 hours) setting, allowing ingredients to meld and chicken to become supremely tender and succulent.
  4. Sauce Creation: Once cooking cycle concludes, gently remove chicken breasts. Incorporate softened cream cheese, grated parmesan, and chopped artichoke hearts directly into the cooking liquid, whisking until a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce develops.
  5. Serving: Transfer chicken to serving platters, lavishly drench with the velvety sauce, and optionally embellish with diced fresh tomatoes and an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a visually stunning and flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Chicken Dryness: Cook on low setting for maximum tenderness and moisture retention, avoiding overcooking which can lead to tough meat.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cream cheese to soften before adding to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce without separation.
  • Artichoke Heart Selection: Choose marinated or canned artichoke hearts for enhanced flavor and easier preparation, draining excess liquid before adding.
  • Serving Suggestion: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain optimal texture and succulence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg