This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet is a delicious low-carb dinner that brings together tender chicken breasts with creamy spinach and artichokes all cooked in one pan. The chicken gets perfectly golden while the spinach and artichokes add a fresh, tangy twist to the creamy sauce. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting but not complicated.
I love making this dish because everything cooks right in the skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. The creamy sauce, made with a blend of cheese and a hint of garlic, feels like a treat without piling on the carbs. I usually like to sprinkle a little extra cheese over the top and let it melt, making each bite a warm, cheesy delight that I can’t get enough of.
This skillet dinner is great served on its own or with a side of roasted veggies for an even more filling meal. It always feels special but comes together quickly, which is why it’s one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something healthy and hearty at the same time. If you’re looking for a tasty, low-carb dinner that the whole family will enjoy, this one’s definitely worth trying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: These are the star protein here. I like to use fresh boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking. If you want, thighs work too—they stay juicier but take a little longer.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds brightness and wilts nicely. Frozen spinach is a great backup—just thaw and squeeze out extra water before using to keep the sauce creamy.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned or jarred artichokes work well and bring a nice tangy flavor. If fresh artichokes are around, they make it extra special but need more prep time.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These create that creamy base for the sauce. You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch, but add it off the heat to avoid curdling.
Parmesan & Mozzarella: Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite while mozzarella gives gooey texture. Feel free to use just one if needed—Parmesan alone keeps it classic and flavorful.
Italian Seasoning: Simple and convenient to add herb flavor. Oregano, basil, or thyme alone work too if you don’t have the blend.
How Do You Make the Chicken Juicy and the Sauce Creamy in One Skillet?
Getting tender chicken and silky sauce in one pan is all about timing and temperature control.
- Sear Chicken First: Start by seasoning and searing the chicken in hot oil until golden. This locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. It will finish cooking in the sauce later.
- Cook Garlic & Veggies After Chicken: Use the same skillet to get extra flavor from any browned bits left behind. This adds depth to the sauce.
- Soft Blend of Cheeses & Cream: Lower the heat before adding cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Stir gently until smooth—high heat can cause curdling.
- Simmer Together Briefly: Return chicken to the pan and let simmer just a few minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken and lets it soak up the creamy sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for searing chicken and making the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Tongs – great for flipping the chicken without breaking the crust.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helps you stir the sauce gently without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate cream and cheese measurements to keep the sauce balanced.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for juicy boneless thighs—they add extra flavor and stay tender.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy pop that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Mix in chopped mushrooms with the spinach for earthiness and texture.
- Use a blend of cream cheese and goat cheese for a tangier, richer sauce experience.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Low Carb Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken & Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, drained)
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes from start to finish to get this creamy, delicious dish onto your plate.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked inside. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells wonderful. Then stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and spinach. Cook this mixture just until the spinach is wilted.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce and Combine:
Lower the heat to low. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and everything combines into a smooth, creamy sauce.
4. Finish the Dish:
Put the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon some sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the chicken warms up and soaks in the creamy flavors. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’d like. Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy, hearty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for a nice sear.
Can I Substitute Cream Cheese with Another Ingredient?
You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone or a soft goat cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just keep the amount the same to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free or Lower Fat?
For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream and dairy-free cheeses, though the flavor will change slightly. To lower fat, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use less cheese, but keep in mind the sauce might be less creamy.
