Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Spinach – Effortless Comfort Food!
There is something truly magical about walking through your front door after a long day and being greeted by the savory, garlic-infused aroma of a home-cooked meal. If you are looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug but requires minimal effort, look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Spinach.
It is the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal. By combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety sauce and fresh greens, you create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you are a busy parent or just someone who loves a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to join your weekly rotation.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this dish a winner in my book is the balance of textures and flavors. The chicken becomes so tender it practically melts, while the sauce—a blend of heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan—is decadently thick.
Unlike many heavy pasta dishes, the addition of four full cups of fresh baby spinach adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients that lightens the overall profile. It’s versatile, too! If you enjoy one-pan meals like this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll appreciate how this slow cooker method keeps your kitchen clean and your stress levels low.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (5 g)
- 1 tsp onion powder (5 g)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (5 g)
- ½ tsp paprika (3 g)
- 1 tsp salt (6 g)
- ½ tsp black pepper (3 g)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz / 225 g), cubed
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (50 g)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach (120 g)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Swaps and Notes
- The Chicken: I prefer chicken breasts for a leaner meal, but chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy in the slow cooker and are harder to overcook.
- The Greens: If you aren’t a fan of spinach, kale works beautifully here, though it requires a bit more cook time to soften.
- Lighten It Up: You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
- Low Carb: This dish is naturally keto-friendly! Just serve it over cauliflower rice or zoodles instead of traditional pasta.
List of Steps for the Recipe
1. Season & Prep
Pat your chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick. In a small bowl, mix your garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the olive oil over the chicken, then coat thoroughly with the spice blend.
2. Sear for Maximum Flavor (Optional)
While you can put the chicken straight into the crockpot, I highly recommend searing it in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. This creates a “crust” that locks in moisture and adds a deeper savory flavor. Once golden, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté your minced garlic for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to “deglaze” the pan, scraping up any of those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Pour this liquid over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Add the cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Don’t worry if the cream cheese looks chunky; it will melt into a smooth sauce as it heats up.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken registers 165°F and is easy to pierce with a fork.
6. Add the Spinach
About 20 minutes before you are ready to eat, stir in the fresh baby spinach. It will look like a lot at first, but it wilts down significantly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water and stir it in now.
7. Final Touches
Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks for a “pulled” texture, or leave the breasts whole for a more formal presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Tips for Success
- Room Temp Cream Cheese: To avoid “clumping,” let your cream cheese sit on the counter for 30 minutes before adding it to the pot.
- Don’t Overcook: Even in a slow cooker, chicken can become dry if left on “High” for too long. Stick to the lower setting if you have the time.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block rather than the powdered stuff in a green can for the best melting results.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is incredibly saucy, so you want a base that can soak up all that goodness.
- Pasta: Serve it over a bed of Classic Spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Grains: White rice, quinoa, or even a side of mashed potatoes works perfectly.
- Drink Pairing: Balance the richness of the cream sauce with a cold, tart Blueberry Lemonade.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The sauce may thicken significantly in the fridge. When reheating on the stovetop or microwave, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up.
- Freezing: Because of the high dairy content, this sauce can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. If you must freeze it, whisk it vigorously while reheating to bring the emulsion back together.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this cozy slow cooker meal, you might also love these other comfort food classics:
- Instant Pot Lasagna – For when you want comfort food in a fraction of the time.
- Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo – A Southern staple that warms the soul.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Spinach is the definition of “minimal effort, maximum reward.” It turns a few pantry staples and some fresh greens into a gourmet-tasting meal that the whole family will enjoy.
I would love to hear how yours turned out! Did you serve it over pasta or keep it low-carb? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow ChefManiac on social media for more daily recipe inspiration.
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