There’s something magical about tossing a few ingredients into your slow cooker and returning hours later to a meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and ready to eat. This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Spinach recipe is the kind of comforting, low-effort dinner that becomes a go-to.
Juicy shredded chicken simmers slowly in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce and is finished with a generous helping of tender spinach. It’s versatile enough to serve over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice or sautéed veggies.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Spinach
- Effortless cooking: Minimal prep—just dump and go!
- Comfort food with a healthy twist: Creamy, but packed with spinach.
- Family-friendly: Mild flavor and satisfying texture everyone enjoys.
- Meal prep approved: Makes great leftovers and freezes well.
🛒 Ingredients for Making Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Spinach
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cream Sauce:
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Greens:
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
👨🍳 How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Spinach
Step 1: Layer Ingredients
Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with diced onion, garlic, and all dry seasonings.
Step 2: Add Creamy Components
Add cubed cream cheese, pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Don’t stir—just let it all cook together.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Open the lid and shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. Stir everything together until creamy.
Step 5: Add Spinach
Add spinach and stir. Cover again and let wilt for about 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This creamy dish is a great base to pair with:
- Rice – jasmine, brown, or wild rice
- Pasta – rotini or fettuccine
- Mashed potatoes – for ultra-comfort
- Cauliflower rice – for a low-carb option
- Zoodles – for a keto-friendly bowl
Top with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
🔁 Variations and Customizations
- Add mushrooms – Sauté first or toss in with the chicken.
- Make it cheesy – Add shredded mozzarella before serving.
- Use kale or arugula – In place of spinach for a different flavor.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes – For a Mediterranean twist.
- Spice it up – Stir in chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.
🧊 Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Fridge:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat:
Microwave or reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
🕒 Make-Ahead Tip
This dish can be prepped the night before:
- Add all ingredients (except cream and spinach) to a slow cooker insert.
- Cover and refrigerate.
- In the morning, place the insert in your cooker, add the cream, and start cooking!
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time and make sure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is this keto-friendly?
Very! It’s high in fat and protein and low in carbs—just skip rice/pasta.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk will work but may result in a thinner sauce. Use half-and-half for a better balance.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese, but flavor will change.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. Shred, then add spinach.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Spinach recipe is the definition of cozy convenience. With minimal prep and rich, flavorful results, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just want to enjoy creamy comfort without a lot of work, this dish delivers every time.
Comfort food, made easy — and made better with spinach.