Crock-Pots and slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy individuals seeking simple yet fulfilling dinner ideas. These appliances allow you to prepare meals with minimal effort, freeing up time for other activities. This article explores some fantastic keto crock-pot recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare.
Keto Crack Chicken Recipe
This recipe is a one-step slow cooker recipe that will give you more time to focus on other things. This crock pot recipe is loaded with flavor! In fact, it has a lot of the same flavors like a loaded baked potato - bacon, cheddar cheese, and onions. It's so addicting that you won't want to stop eating it!
Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredients for this recipe are simple and can be adjusted to your liking.
- Meat: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and higher fat content, or chicken breasts can be used as a substitute.
- Cheese: The recipe calls for shredded cheddar and cream cheese. Mascarpone or ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese.
- Bacon: Always avoid maple-cured bacon for keto.
- Green Onions: Add vibrant flavors and a satisfying crunch.
- Herbs and Spices: A combination of dried parsley, chives, dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder is used. A keto-friendly ranch seasoning mix can be used as a substitute, ensuring it doesn't contain wheat flour, corn starch, or added sugars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the spices on top of the chicken.
- Cut up the cream cheese and lay them all around the chicken, spreading them out evenly.
- Cook all day at a low temperature.
- Shred the chicken and then add the bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Put the lid back on and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This is a very filling main course. To make this a complete meal, serve it with low-carb veggies like mashed cauliflower or broccoli.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is ranch keto-friendly? It can be, but make sure to read the nutrition label to ensure it doesn't have any added sugars or grains.
- How do you store leftover keto crack chicken? Store your leftover crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To make it melted again, just heat it up in a saucepan over low heat.
- Can I use frozen chicken thighs or breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add a bit more time to your overall cooking time.
Variations
- Skillet Recipe: Use shredded rotisserie chicken and mix it in with the rest of the ingredients in a skillet.
- Cheese: If all you have is a block of cheddar cheese, just roughly chop it up so that it melts in the slow cooker.
- Meat: Try using pork loin in place of chicken.
Keto Crock-Pot Pizza Casserole Recipe
This recipe is a home run, and you won’t even miss the crust! Add all your favorite toppings just as you would on your pizza.
Read also: Delicious Keto Crockpot Meals
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb sausage
- 6 oz. pepperoni
- 32 oz. Rao's marinara sauce
- Optional veggies (peppers, olives, mushrooms)
- Sliced provolone cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown sausage and ground beef.
- Using an 8-quart Crock-Pot slow cooker, start by adding 1/3 cup of Rao's sauce just to cover the bottom of the Crock-Pot.
- Start with about a cup of the beef/sausage meat as the first layer.
- Repeat these layers by starting off with sauce, then meat, veggies (optional), and cheese.
- Add sliced provolone cheese to the top.
- Serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Outside of enjoying it as a meal, you could even use this casserole as a dip for celery and serve as a keto appetizer.
Other Keto Crock-Pot Recipes to Try
- Keto Mexican Chicken Soup
- Keto Crustless Pizza Chicken Casserole
- Low Carb Pot Roast
- Pork Curry
- Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Additional Considerations
When exploring keto crock-pot recipes, it's essential to ensure that the ingredients and cooking methods align with the principles of a ketogenic diet. This often involves:
- Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods: Focus on lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-carbohydrate vegetables.
- Carefully selecting sauces and seasonings: Many commercially prepared sauces and seasonings contain hidden sugars or starches that can derail ketosis. Opt for homemade versions or carefully review ingredient labels.
- Adjusting cooking times: Slow cookers can sometimes lead to overcooked or mushy vegetables. Adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain the desired texture.
Read also: Crockpot Ham: Keto Edition
Read also: Low-Carb Crockpot Recipes