Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and effortless dinner? Look no further! This crock pot chicken and spinach recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup – a true win-win! This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals you can easily incorporate into your weekly meal plan. Get ready to enjoy a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed spinach, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is incorporated.
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Add to the slow cooker: Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with salt to taste, if desired.
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Cook on low: 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 the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy this delicious and easy homemade cooking creation!
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Spinach:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Squeeze out excess water from the spinach: This prevents the sauce from becoming watery. Properly squeezing the spinach is a crucial step for achieving the best texture and flavor in your dish.
- Add some spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Spinach: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary) to the sauce.
- Creamy Tomato Chicken and Spinach: Substitute cream of tomato soup for cream of mushroom soup.
- Buffalo Chicken and Spinach: Add 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This crock pot chicken and spinach recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a great example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to takeout. Enjoy this easy recipe and explore the variations to find your perfect combination!