This Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet is a warm, comforting dinner that’s full of bright flavors and creamy textures. Juicy chicken breasts get cooked right in the pan with tender spinach and artichokes, all wrapped up in a cheesy, garlicky sauce that’s low in carbs but big on taste.
I love making this skillet when I want a quick and easy meal that still feels special. The combination of spinach and artichokes feels fresh while the creamy cheese sauce gives it that cozy dinner vibe I crave after a busy day. It’s one of those dishes where everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze—something I’m always happy about!
My favorite way to enjoy it is straight from the skillet, maybe with a side of roasted veggies or a simple salad. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without weighing you down, and everyone I’ve made it for always asks for seconds. Give it a try next time you want something tasty and satisfying that fits your low-carb lifestyle.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken breasts are tender and cook quickly, but thighs can add more flavor and stay juicy. Either works well in this skillet!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a bright, fresh taste. Frozen spinach works too—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water to keep the sauce creamy.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes add a mild tang and soft texture. If you prefer, use jarred marinated artichokes for a bit more flavor, but watch the added oils and seasoning.
Cream Cheese & Heavy Cream: These make the sauce rich and creamy. You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta if you like a lighter texture. Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty touch. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can be a cheesy substitute.
How Do You Get Tender, Juicy Chicken Without Overcooking?
Cooking chicken just right is key. Here’s a simple way to nail it:
- Pat the chicken dry and season well—this boosts flavor and helps create a nice crust.
- Heat your oil in a skillet to medium-high before adding chicken—this ensures a good sear.
- Cook without moving the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side. This browns it nicely and locks in juices.
- Check doneness using a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C) or cut the thickest part to make sure it’s opaque and juices run clear.
- Rest the chicken a few minutes off heat before serving to keep it juicy.
By following these tips, your chicken will stay tender and flavorful inside while nice and golden on the outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large oven-safe skillet – perfect for searing chicken and cooking the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Tongs – help you flip the chicken easily without tearing the meat.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce and scraping up tasty bits from the pan.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your chicken is cooked safely and stays juicy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey cutlets for a leaner protein option that still cooks quickly.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy burst that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Stir in chopped artichoke pesto to boost the artichoke flavor even more.
- Mix in cooked mushrooms for extra earthiness and texture.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Low Carb Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Veggies:
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so you can have a delicious low-carb dinner ready in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. This will give the chicken a nice flavor and help with browning.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked all the way through (make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells fragrant. Add the cream cheese and stir it until melted and combined with the garlic and any pan juices. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
4. Add the Veggies and Cheese:
Stir in the spinach, artichoke hearts, the remaining Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Cook this mixture over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine and Finish Cooking:
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 3–5 minutes so the flavors blend and the chicken warms up again if needed.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives or parsley if you like, and serve immediately. This skillet pairs beautifully with low-carb sides such as steamed broccoli or zucchini noodles.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and satisfying low-carb Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the skillet to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Turkey cutlets or pork chops work well. Just adjust the cooking time depending on thickness to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid curdling the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, a dairy-free cream cheese substitute, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
