Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken: A Creamy, Low-Carb Delight

Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that aligns with your ketogenic lifestyle? Look no further than this Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip-inspired sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, and it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

This dish is a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables, and the rich, savory sauce will have you licking your plate clean. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it an ideal choice for anyone following a keto diet.

## Why You’ll Love This Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken

* **Deliciously Creamy:** The sauce is the star of the show! Made with cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella, it’s unbelievably rich and flavorful.
* **Packed with Flavor:** Spinach and artichoke hearts add a delightful texture and earthy taste that complements the chicken perfectly.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Keto-Friendly:** With its low carb count and high fat content, this dish fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, spices, or vegetables.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy, cheesy chicken dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each).
* **Spinach:** 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 5 ounces fresh spinach, wilted).
* **Artichoke Hearts:** 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces cream cheese, softened.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup heavy cream.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

### Ingredient Substitutions

* **Chicken Thighs:** You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. They will need slightly longer cooking time.
* **Fresh Spinach:** If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil until wilted before adding it to the sauce.
* **Different Cheeses:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, provolone, or fontina.
* **Nutritional Yeast:** If you want to make it dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, however, the taste won’t be 100% the same.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken masterpiece:

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. **Pound the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
2. **Season the Chicken:** Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

### Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. **Heat the Olive Oil:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Add the chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. **Remove and Set Aside:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.

### Step 3: Make the Spinach Artichoke Sauce

1. **Sauté the Garlic:** Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Add the Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream:** Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. **Add the Spinach and Artichoke Hearts:** Stir in the thawed and squeezed dry spinach and quartered artichoke hearts. Mix well to combine.
4. **Add the Cheese and Spices:** Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. **Season to Taste:** Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

### Step 4: Combine and Bake (Optional)

At this point, you have two options:

**Option 1: Serve Immediately (Stovetop)**

1. **Add the Chicken Back to the Skillet:** Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the spinach artichoke sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
2. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is still at least 165 degrees F.
3. **Serve:** Serve the chicken immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley, if desired.

**Option 2: Bake in the Oven**

1. **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the spinach artichoke sauce to a baking dish (9×13 inch).
2. **Place Chicken on Top:** Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the sauce in the baking dish. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it.
3. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and golden brown.
4. **Broil (Optional):** For a more golden-brown top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. **Serve:** Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Squeeze the Spinach Dry:** Thawing and squeezing the spinach dry is crucial to prevent the sauce from becoming watery. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Softened cream cheese will melt more easily and create a smoother sauce. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using it.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder.
* **Use Freshly Grated Cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
* **Broil for Extra Color:** Broiling the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking will give it a beautiful golden-brown crust.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the chicken more tender.

## Serving Suggestions

This Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

* **Cauliflower Rice:** Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative to regular rice.
* **Zucchini Noodles:** Toss zucchini noodles with a little olive oil and salt and pepper, then serve the chicken on top.
* **Asparagus:** Roast asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple and healthy side dish.
* **Broccoli:** Steam or roast broccoli for a nutritious and filling side dish.
* **Salad:** Serve the chicken with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Mashed Cauliflower:** Replace your mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower

## Variations

Here are some ideas to customize your Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken:

* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
* **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy and savory flavor.
* **Add Jalapeños:** Chopped jalapeños add a spicy kick to the dish.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or basil.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
* **Add Prosciutto:** Add slices of prosciutto to the baking dish for a salty flavor.
* **Add Pesto:** Swirl a spoonful of pesto into the sauce for added flavor.
* **Make it a Casserole:** Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

## Nutritional Information

(Per Serving – approximately based on 4 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 450-550
* Net Carbs: 5-7g
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g

*Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Always calculate the nutritional information based on the specific ingredients you use.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels before searing to remove excess moisture.

**Q: Can I make this ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can prepare the spinach artichoke sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, sear the chicken and then add it to the sauce. You can then bake or simmer the chicken and sauce as directed in the recipe.

**Q: Can I freeze this dish?**

A: While technically you *can* freeze this dish, the texture of the cream cheese sauce may change upon thawing, becoming slightly grainy. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

**Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?**

A: The best way to reheat Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken is in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

**Q: How can I thicken the sauce?**

A: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it over low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly. You can also add a small amount of xanthan gum (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the sauce to thicken it.

**Q: How can I make this dairy-free?**

A: While it will alter the taste, you can try replacing the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, the heavy cream with coconut cream, and the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Be aware that the sauce will not be as creamy and rich.

**Q: Is this recipe suitable for other low-carb diets besides keto?**

A: Yes, this recipe is suitable for other low-carb diets as well. The carbohydrate content is low, making it a good choice for anyone trying to reduce their carb intake.

**Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of searing it?**

A: Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor. Just make sure to grill it until it’s cooked through, and then add it to the spinach artichoke sauce.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**

A: Yes, feel free to add other low-carb vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

**Q: How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?**

A: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the skillet. Cut it into smaller pieces to help it melt more evenly. Also, stirring constantly as it melts prevents clumping.

## Conclusion

This Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a new favorite. So, give it a try tonight and enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and keto-friendly dinner!

Enjoy cooking!