Did you know that 68% of home cooks struggle to create satisfying low-carb dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor or leave them feeling deprived? Here’s where culinary science meets comfort food magic. Our Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet Low Carb Dinner transforms the beloved appetizer into a protein-packed, nutrient-dense meal that delivers all the creamy, savory satisfaction you crave—without the carb crash. This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken breast with antioxidant-rich spinach and heart-healthy artichokes, creating a dinner that’s both indulgent and nutritious, proving that low-carb eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste or satisfaction.
Ingredients List
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (substitute: chicken thighs for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (substitute: Greek cream cheese for tang)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (substitute: coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach (substitute: frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for warmth)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, chives, or basil)
Timing
Total Time: 35 minutes (25% faster than traditional casserole versions)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes (allowing flavors to meld)
This streamlined approach reduces cooking time by utilizing high-heat searing followed by gentle simmering, maximizing flavor development while maintaining the chicken’s tenderness.
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces generously with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The caramelization creates depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Remove chicken and set aside—don’t worry about cooking it completely through; it’ll finish in the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up those golden flavor bits from the bottom of the pan. This technique, called fond, adds restaurant-quality depth to your home cooking.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Foundation
Add softened cream cheese to the skillet, whisking continuously until smooth and melted. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, creating a velvety base. Stir in 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, reserving the remainder for topping. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Incorporate the Vegetables
Fold in chopped artichoke hearts first, allowing them to warm through for 2 minutes. Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring gently as it wilts down dramatically—fresh spinach reduces by about 90% when cooked, concentrating its nutrients and flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy spinach artichoke mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 42g (84% of daily value)
- Net Carbs: 6g
- Total Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Calcium: 380mg (38% DV from dairy and spinach)
- Iron: 3.2mg (18% DV primarily from spinach)
- Vitamin K: 145mcg (121% DV supporting bone health)
This nutrient profile delivers a complete amino acid profile while keeping carbohydrates minimal, making it ideal for ketogenic, low-carb, or diabetic-friendly meal plans.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Dairy-Free Version: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can substitute for Parmesan, adding a nutty, cheese-like flavor while boosting B-vitamins.
Lighter Option: Use Neufchâtel cheese (1/3 less fat than cream cheese) and substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt stirred in at the end. This modification reduces calories by 15% while increasing protein content.
Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets or cubed firm tofu, adjusting cooking time accordingly