Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Chickpeas

This slow cooker chicken is the definition of easy: just toss chicken, chickpeas, spinach, garlic, and cream cheese into the crockpot and walk away.

Hours later, you return to tender chicken in a rich, garlicky sauce that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dump-and-go dinner requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

Creamy garlic chicken is a classic comfort food, but this version gets a twist with the addition of chickpeas and spinach, all cooked together in a slow cooker.

The chicken thighs become incredibly tender, the chickpeas soak up the garlicky cream sauce, and the spinach adds a touch of green. This is a true one-pot meal that needs just a few minutes of prep and then lets the slow cooker do all the work.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker works its magic on chicken thighs, breaking down the connective tissue and turning them fork-tender.

The low, gentle heat keeps the chicken moist, while the cream cheese melts into a luscious sauce that coats every bite. The chickpeas add heartiness and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic.

This recipe is designed for convenience: no browning, no sautéing, and no extra dishes. Everything goes into the slow cooker at once, making it a true dump-and-go meal. The flavors meld together as it cooks, creating a dish that tastes like it simmered all day, even though the hands-on time is just minutes.

Notes and substitutions

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe because they stay moist and tender during the long cooking time. You can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out if cooked too long.

Chickpeas are used straight from the can—just drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium. Baby spinach wilts down beautifully; if you only have large-leaf spinach, chop it roughly before adding.

Full-fat cream cheese gives the sauce its signature richness and smooth texture. Lower-fat versions may curdle or make the sauce thinner. The garlic is minced, but you can also use sliced garlic for a milder flavor. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based cream cheese alternative.

• chicken thighs: boneless skinless chicken breasts; reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours on low.
• cream cheese: full-fat cream cheese is best for a thick sauce; low-fat will work but may be thinner.
• baby spinach: frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; add during the last 30 minutes.
• chickpeas: cannellini beans or great northern beans for a different texture.

Equipment

• slow cooker (5-6 quart)
• can opener
• colander
• measuring spoons
• wooden spoon or spatula