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Keto Chicken Spinach Artichoke Skillet – Creamy, Comforting, and Low-Carb

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Spinach: 5–6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 5 ounces) or 10 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and well-drained)
  • Artichoke hearts: 1 can (14 ounces) quartered artichoke hearts, drained well (water- or brine-packed, not marinated)
  • Cream cheese: 4 ounces, softened and cubed
  • Heavy cream: 3/4 cup
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, finely grated
  • Chicken broth: 1/3 cup (low-sodium)
  • Lemon: 1 (zest and 1–2 teaspoons juice)
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional garnish)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This helps build flavor and a good sear.
  2. Sear in batches: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add half the chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and mostly cooked. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add butter. Once melted, stir in garlic and onion powder. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Build the sauce base: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth and melted.
  5. Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Avoid boiling to prevent splitting.
  6. Add greens and artichokes: Fold in spinach (in batches if needed) until wilted. Add drained artichoke hearts and simmer 1–2 minutes to warm through.
  7. Finish with cheese and lemon: Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Add lemon zest and 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Return chicken to pan: Add the seared chicken and any juices. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is silky.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley. Serve alone, or with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted asparagus.