Slow Cooker Spinach-Artichoke Chicken Stew

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Introduction

This Slow Cooker Spinach-Artichoke Chicken Stew is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, savory artichokes, and vibrant spinach in a luscious, cheesy broth. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you’ll have a cozy, flavor-packed meal ready to serve with little effort. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving a hearty, wholesome stew!

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add the chicken thighs, artichoke hearts, spinach, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the stew for a rich, creamy texture.
  4. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it well with the sauce and vegetables.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor.

Notes

  • For a thicker stew, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 15 minutes to let the sauce reduce slightly.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs tend to stay juicier in slow-cooked dishes.
  • Add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
  • If you prefer a stronger cheesy taste, stir in an extra ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella or gouda before serving.
  • This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips

  1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – Chicken thighs remain tender and flavorful even after long hours of slow cooking. If you use chicken breasts instead, check them earlier to prevent drying out.

  2. Soften the Cream Cheese Before Adding – Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or microwave it in short bursts until soft. This helps it mix evenly into the stew for a creamy texture.

  3. Shred the Chicken Directly in the Slow Cooker – Instead of removing the chicken, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. The shredded chicken will absorb all the flavors and thicken the stew naturally.

  4. For a Thicker Stew, Remove the Lid Near the End – If you prefer a heartier consistency, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. This helps excess liquid evaporate and enhances the creamy texture.

  5. Chop Spinach Small for Even Cooking – Spinach wilts quickly, but chopping it into smaller pieces helps distribute it throughout the stew. Stir it in gently at the beginning for deeper flavor or at the end for a fresher taste.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve Over Rice, Pasta, or Mashed Potatoes – This creamy stew pairs beautifully with a warm, starchy base. Rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, pasta adds texture, and mashed potatoes create a comforting meal.

  2. Enjoy with Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast – A slice of toasted bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for scooping up the creamy, cheesy broth. Try rubbing the bread with garlic butter for extra flavor.

  3. Add a Side Salad for Freshness – A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew. A simple arugula, cucumber, and cherry tomato salad works well with a lemony dressing.

  4. Pair with Roasted Vegetables – Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add a sweet and caramelized contrast to the creamy stew. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top ties everything together.

  5. Garnish for Extra Flavor – A final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes for heat, or a drizzle of olive oil adds a delicious finishing touch.

Substitutions and Variations

  1. Swap Cream Cheese for Heavy Cream or Greek Yogurt – If you don’t have cream cheese, you can stir in heavy cream for a silkier texture or use Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy and protein-packed alternative.

  2. Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh – If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach works well. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the stew to prevent dilution.

  3. Make it Spicy with Red Pepper Flakes or Jalapeños – For a little kick, stir in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños at the beginning of cooking. This adds a nice balance to the creamy flavors.

  4. Try Different Cheeses for Variety – Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, but you can also use shredded mozzarella for extra meltiness or Gouda for a smoky touch.

  5. Add Mushrooms or Bell Peppers for More Texture – Sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers add extra depth and texture to the stew. Toss them in at the beginning with the onions and garlic for maximum flavor.

Conservation and Storage

  1. Refrigerate Properly for Freshness – Store any leftover Slow Cooker Spinach-Artichoke Chicken Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the stew has cooled completely before sealing it to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can affect texture and flavor.

  2. Freeze for Long-Term Storage – This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Avoid freezing if using heavy cream instead of cream cheese, as it may separate.

  3. Reheat Gently to Preserve Creamy Texture – When reheating, warm the stew over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency. If using a microwave, reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the smoothness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Adding Cream Cheese Too Early – If cream cheese is added too soon, it can curdle or separate. Always stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it melts smoothly into the stew.

  2. Not Draining Artichoke Hearts Properly – Excess liquid from canned artichokes can dilute the stew’s flavor. Make sure to drain and pat them dry before adding them to the slow cooker to maintain a rich and balanced taste.

  3. Overcooking the Chicken – While slow cooking makes the chicken tender, leaving it in for too long (beyond 8 hours on low) can make it mushy. If you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw it first for even cooking. Using frozen chicken can increase the cooking time and may lead to unevenly cooked meat. If using frozen chicken, extend the cooking time by about 1 hour.

  2. Can I make this stew dairy-free?
    Absolutely! Swap the cream cheese with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. The Parmesan cheese can be replaced with a dairy-free alternative or simply omitted.

  3. What can I use instead of artichokes?
    If you’re not a fan of artichokes, try zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for a different texture and flavor while keeping the dish hearty and nutritious.

  4. Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
    Yes! Sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot, then add the chicken, artichokes, spinach, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45–60 minutes, then stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan before serving.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Spinach-Artichoke Chicken Stew is a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, delivering a creamy, cheesy richness with tender chicken, savory artichokes, and vibrant spinach. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

With the convenience of a slow cooker, minimal effort leads to a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day. Pair it with crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own!

Enjoy every spoonful of this heartwarming stew, and let it become a new favorite in your rotation. Happy cooking! 🍲😊

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Slow Cooker Spinach-Artichoke Chicken Stew

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
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Description

This Slow Cooker Spinach-Artichoke Chicken Stew is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, savory artichokes, and vibrant spinach in a luscious, cheesy broth. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you’ll have a cozy, flavor-packed meal ready to serve with little effort. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving a hearty, wholesome stew!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add the chicken thighs, artichoke hearts, spinach, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the stew for a rich, creamy texture.
  4. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it well with the sauce and vegetables.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor.

Notes

  • For a thicker stew, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 15 minutes to let the sauce reduce slightly.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs tend to stay juicier in slow-cooked dishes.
  • Add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
  • If you prefer a stronger cheesy taste, stir in an extra ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella or gouda before serving.
  • This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Stew, Spinach Artichoke Chicken, Creamy Chicken Stew, Crockpot Chicken Recipe

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