Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Low Carb Dinner is a simple, tasty dish that brings together tender chicken breasts with creamy spinach and tangy artichokes. It’s all cooked in one pan, making it a quick and easy meal after a busy day. The mix of flavors is comforting and fresh, with just enough creaminess to make it feel like a special treat without being heavy.
I love making this skillet because it feels homemade but doesn’t take forever to cook. The spinach and artichokes add a nice boost of veggies, and the creamy sauce clings perfectly to the juicy chicken. I usually use fresh spinach, but frozen works just as well when I’m in a pinch. A quick tip—I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top at the end to get that golden, bubbly finish.
What makes this dinner even better is how easy it is to serve. I often enjoy it with a side salad or some roasted veggies for a full low-carb meal. It’s also great for leftovers because the flavors get even better the next day. This skillet has become one of my go-to dinners whenever I want something comforting, tasty, and light at the same time. It’s a dish that’s just as good for a weeknight family dinner as it is for a relaxed weekend meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using thighs because they stay juicy, but breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat. Just watch cooking time so they don’t dry out.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is my favorite for its bright flavor and texture. Frozen spinach is a fine substitute—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned or jarred artichokes work great here. They add tang and texture. If you can’t find these, try marinated or frozen artichoke pieces as a backup.
Cheese & Cream: Cream cheese and Parmesan make the sauce rich and smooth. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less thick. Mozzarella adds a gooey finish; feel free to swap it with Monterey Jack or even cheddar.
How Do You Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth and Delicious?
Making a smooth sauce is key to this dish’s success. Here are some tips:
- Start by cooking onions and garlic gently to build flavor without burning.
- Add cream cheese in softened form so it melts evenly without clumps.
- Stir constantly over medium-low heat while adding cheeses for a creamy blend.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- Don’t hurry this step—melting slowly helps create a velvety texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning chicken and cooking the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Spatula or tongs – helps you flip chicken easily without breaking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for adding accurate amounts of cream, cheese, and seasoning.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop garlic, onion, spinach, and parsley.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of fresh thighs for a faster meal with savorier flavor.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet-tart twist that pairs well with creamy sauce.
- Swap mozzarella with pepper jack cheese to add a little heat and extra zing.
- Mix in sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies and texture variety.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Low Carb Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or ½ cup frozen)
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes preparing ingredients, 15 minutes cooking the chicken and vegetables, and another 10 minutes simmering everything together so flavors meld beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides to season well.
2. Brown the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown on both sides and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
4. Add Spinach and Artichokes:
Stir in chopped spinach and drained artichoke hearts. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach wilts nicely.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning, if using. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken pieces. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes so the chicken soaks up the delicious flavors and the dish warms through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve right away for the best flavor, paired with a fresh side salad or roasted low-carb veggies.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. This prevents the sauce from becoming too watery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I Substitute Chicken Breasts for Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but may cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Is This Recipe Suitable for a Low-Carb Diet?
Definitely! This dish is low in carbs thanks to the use of veggies like spinach and artichokes, and the creamy cheese sauce adds flavor without unnecessary carbs.
