Ever have one of those days where you crave something comforting but the thought of standing over a stove feels impossible? I was in that exact spot last Tuesday after a long workday, staring into my fridge hoping for inspiration. That’s when I spotted a jar of artichokes and some chicken thighs, and this creamy dream was born.
What I love about this dish is how it transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, filling your home with an incredible aroma that makes everyone ask, “What’s for dinner?” It’s become my go-to for busy nights and lazy weekends alike, much like our popular steak fajita bowl that’s perfect for quick, delicious meals.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Category: Main Course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
What You’ll Need
When I first started making crockpot chicken recipes, I learned that quality ingredients make all the difference. For the artichokes, I look for jars packed in water rather than oil—they hold their shape better during the long cooking time. The cream cheese should be full-fat for that luxurious texture we’re after, and don’t skip the fresh herbs; they brighten up the entire dish.
You’ll need your trusty slow cooker, of course, plus a skillet for browning the chicken if you want that extra flavor depth. A pair of tongs makes handling the chicken easy, and I always have kitchen twine handy to tie herb bundles. For serving, shallow bowls work best to catch all that delicious sauce.
INGREDIENTS
Prepping everything beforehand turns this into such a stress-free experience. I line up my ingredients on the counter—the vibrant colors of the sun-dried tomatoes against the pale artichokes always makes me smile. Measuring out the spices into a small bowl lets me just dump them in when the time comes, and having the cream cheese at room temperature ensures it blends smoothly into the sauce.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 jar (12 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
PREPARATION
From experience, browning the chicken first might seem like an extra step, but it creates such a flavorful foundation. The Maillard reaction gives those beautiful browned bits that will melt into the sauce, adding complexity you can’t get from just tossing everything in raw. Don’t rush this part—let the chicken develop that golden crust. If you’re looking for another comforting slow-cooked meal, try our hearty hobo casserole with ground beef and potatoes for a satisfying dinner option.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer chicken to slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté onion for 3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Pour chicken broth into skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Pour this mixture over chicken in slow cooker.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, oregano, and paprika to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. In a bowl, whisk cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
- Return shredded chicken to slow cooker, stir in cream mixture, and cook for additional 20 minutes on HIGH until heated through.
- Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning before serving.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Making This Dish Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Sometimes I swap the artichokes for roasted red peppers when they’re in season, or add a handful of spinach during the last 10 minutes for extra greens. If you prefer thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it in during the final heating stage.
Perfect Pairings
This creamy chicken dish pairs wonderfully with so many sides. For low-carb options, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles—they soak up the sauce beautifully. When I’m serving guests, I love to accompany it with crusty bread for dipping, or over creamy polenta for ultimate comfort food vibes. For dessert, consider finishing your meal with our delightful peach cobbler pound cake that combines two classic favorites.
Crockpot Chicken with Artichokes Mediterranean Creamy Dream Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Chicken with Artichokes Mediterranean Creamy Dream Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this fantastic for meal prep. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. I don’t recommend freezing this one—the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but reduce cooking time by about an hour as breasts cook faster and can dry out. Thighs stay juicier during the long cooking process, which is why I prefer them for this Crockpot Chicken with Artichokes Mediterranean Creamy Dream.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this in a Dutch oven at 300°F for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will be shorter, so check for doneness when the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it remains delicious.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken with Artichokes Mediterranean Creamy Dream has saved countless weeknights in my home, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours too. The combination of tender chicken, tangy artichokes, and creamy sauce creates magic with minimal effort. Give it a try this week—your future self will thank you during those busy evenings when a comforting meal is waiting.
