Delicious and Easy Keto Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Recipes

For those following a ketogenic diet, finding convenient and delicious recipes can sometimes be a challenge. Slow cookers, also known as Crock-Pots, offer an excellent solution for preparing flavorful, low-carb meals with minimal effort. Chicken thighs, with their rich flavor and higher fat content, are a perfect choice for keto-friendly slow cooker recipes. This article explores several mouthwatering keto slow cooker chicken thigh recipes, providing detailed instructions and variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Crock Pot Crack Chicken

"Crack Chicken" is a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-filled dish that's incredibly addictive, in the best way possible. This recipe is low-carb, high-protein, and satisfying, making it a hit with both keto enthusiasts and comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp dried chives
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• 1 ¼ cups (280g) full-fat cream cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar, emmental, and monterey jack)

Instructions

1. Add skinless chicken thighs to your slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, combine parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the chicken in the seasoning to cover it evenly.
4. Top the chicken with the cream cheese.
5. Cover and cook for 3 hours on HIGH or 7 hours on LOW.
6. Meanwhile, pan-fry the bacon until crisp, drain on kitchen paper, and chop.
7. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it into the creamy sauce.
8. Top with the cheese and bacon.
9. Cover the crockpot and continue to cook on HIGH for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
10. Remove the inner pot from the slow cooker to prevent overcooking and drying out.

Serving Suggestions

This crack chicken casserole can be served in various ways, depending on dietary preferences. For a low-carb option, serve it as is or over cauliflower rice.

Variations and Tips

• Slimming World friendly: Use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs and reduced-fat cream cheese. Note that fat-free cream cheese may cause the sauce to separate.
• Vegetables: Add low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
• Ranch dressing: While ranch seasoning is recommended, you can use ranch dressing, but adjust the amount to taste. Be mindful of the ingredients to avoid added sugars or unhealthy fats.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite flavor combination.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for several days.
• Freeze for up to three months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

Low Carb Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

This recipe offers a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal with minimal effort. The combination of lemon, garlic, and spices creates tender and juicy chicken perfect for a keto dinner.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Fresh lemons (for juice, zest, and slices)
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Spray the crock of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place the chicken pieces in the crock.
3. In a medium bowl, combine crushed garlic, spices, olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk to combine, then pour over the chicken pieces.
4. Slice the remaining lemon and place on top of the chicken.
5. Put the lid on and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Spoon everything into a large serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Greek chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. Alternatively, pair it with parmesan shredded Brussel sprouts, cauliflower steaks romano, or zucchini and feta stir-fry. A simple green salad complements the dish perfectly.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Variations and Tips

• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, or artichoke hearts for added flavor and nutrients.
• Marinade: The lemon sauce can also be used as a marinade.
• Shredded chicken: Shred the cooked chicken and place it back in the crock to soak up the sauce.
• Leftovers: Use leftover chicken to make a delicious chicken salad with mayo, celery, chopped onion, and sliced almonds. It can also be added to soups with chicken broth, veggies, and seasonings.

Low Carb Keto Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken Thighs

This recipe combines the tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar with savory spices to create a delicious and easy weeknight meal. It can be made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken thighs (or bone-in, skinless)
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Dried basil (or dried parsley)
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Dried minced onion

Instructions (Slow Cooker)

1. Combine garlic powder, dried basil, sea salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion in a small bowl.
2. Spread the spice mixture over the chicken thighs on both sides.
3. Pour olive oil and garlic on the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Pour in 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar.
5. Place chicken on top.
6. Sprinkle remaining balsamic vinegar over the chicken.
7. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours if using boneless thighs, or on high for 2-3 hours if using bone-in thighs. Cooking time may vary depending on the slow cooker.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley on top to serve.

Instructions (Instant Pot)

1. Combine garlic powder, dried basil, sea salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion in a small bowl.
2. Spread the spice mixture over the chicken thighs on both sides.
3. Pour olive oil and garlic on the bottom of the instant pot.
4. Add all the chicken thighs to the pot.
5. Pour the balsamic vinegar over the chicken.
6. Cover the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure it is set to "sealing."
7. Press the "poultry" button and set the timer for 12 minutes.

Instructions (Oven)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Combine garlic powder, dried basil, sea salt, black pepper, and dried minced onion in a small bowl.
3. Spread the spice mixture over the chicken thighs on both sides.
4. Add olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar to a bowl and toss to coat the chicken thighs.
5. Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet pan.
6. Lay thighs evenly on the pan without overlapping.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb meal.

Keto Chinese Chicken

This recipe recreates the flavors of Chinese cuisine without the added sugars and unhealthy fats typically found in takeout dishes. The use of chicken thighs with the skin on adds flavor and helps maintain a crispy texture.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs with skin on
• Gluten-free tamari sauce (or soy sauce)
• Spices (ginger, garlic, etc.)
• Optional garnish (green onions, sesame seeds)

Instructions

1. (Instructions not fully provided in the source text, but generally involve seasoning the chicken thighs and slow cooking them in a sauce made with tamari and spices until tender.)

Variations and Tips

• Use gluten-free tamari sauce as a keto-friendly alternative to soy sauce.

Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

This recipe delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal with minimal effort. The creamy tomato-basil sauce complements the tender chicken thighs, creating a satisfying and healthy dish.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken thighs
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken or homemade condensed soup)
• Italian seasoning
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: basil

Instructions

1. Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray.
2. Add chicken thighs, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir until blended.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese and parmesan.
6. Let melt, stirring occasionally.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot over pasta, zucchini noodles, or riced cauliflower. Garnish with basil and extra parmesan. Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread on the side.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Variations and Tips

• If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid near the end to reduce liquid or stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water). For a low carb option, use ½ teaspoon xanthan gum dissolved in 1 teaspoon olive oil instead.
• Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or homemade condensed soup for a different flavor.
• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner cut.

Crock Pot Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken

This recipe is the ultimate creamy comfort food dinner, featuring tender and flavorful chicken thighs in a rich Tuscan-inspired sauce.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
• Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or dried)
• Fresh basil
• Garlic
• Chicken broth (or bone broth)
• Heavy whipping cream
• Konjac root powder (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Layer half of the chicken thighs in the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Sprinkle half of the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic on top of the chicken. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
3. Repeat with the remaining chicken thighs, tomatoes, basil, and garlic.
4. Pour the chicken broth into the side of the pot, being careful not to disturb the chicken and seasonings.
5. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 4 1/2 hours on low.
6. Open the lid and pour in the heavy whipping cream. If a thicker sauce is desired, carefully sprinkle the konjac root powder in an even layer on top of the liquids. Stir the liquid gently with a fork, without moving the chicken. Omit the konjac root powder if a thinner sauce is preferred.
7. Close the lid and cook for 20 more minutes.
8. Turn off slow cooker and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over keto pasta or riced cauliflower, or by itself with a side of salad. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil before serving.

Variations and Tips

• Use sun-dried tomatoes without oil, soaking them in water or olive oil to plump them up before use.
• Substitute up to 1/4 cup of chicken bone broth for some of the chicken broth for added health benefits.
• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Watch the carb count on sun-dried tomatoes, as different brands vary.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #slow #cooker #chicken #thighs #recipe