Tired of complicated dinners that take forever to prepare? Craving a healthy and flavorful meal that's ready when you are? Then look no further! This chicken and spinach crock pot recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's incredibly easy, bursting with flavor, and leaves your kitchen smelling divine. This is one of those best recipes that effortlessly combines healthy eating with delicious homemade cooking, making it a quick dinner idea that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the chicken, spinach, onion, and garlic.
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Add Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and spinach in the slow cooker.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. Stir everything together to combine the sauce and shredded chicken. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Spinach Crock Pot Recipe:
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Don't Overcrowd: Make sure your slow cooker isn't overcrowded. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from steaming instead of simmering.
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Squeeze the Spinach: Thoroughly squeeze out excess water from the thawed spinach. This prevents a watery sauce.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.
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Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
Variations:
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Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
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Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach: Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for some of the spinach for a richer, more intense flavor.
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Creamy Tomato Chicken: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of tomato soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy recipe is perfect for healthy meals and a great way to enjoy delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and a satisfying example of homemade cooking at its finest. Enjoy!