Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce with fresh spinach leaves, perfect for an effortless keto dinner. This italian-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 315 minutes pairs bone-in skinless chicken thighs, garlic cloves, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning. Sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Step 5: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add 4 cups fresh baby spinach on top of the chicken. Cover and allow spinach to wilt before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Spinach low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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