If you are like me, you probably love the idea of a healthy dinner that almost cooks itself. Honestly, there is nothing better than coming home after a long day to the smell of a warm meal waiting for you. If you are following a keto lifestyle, you know that keeping things low carb can sometimes feel like a lot of work. But guess what. It does not have to be that way at all.
I have spent a lot of time in my own kitchen trying to figure out how to make chicken that is actually flavorful and not dry. We have all been there where we cook chicken for too long and it ends up tasting like cardboard. Trust me, I get it. That is why I started using my crockpot for almost everything. Using a slow cooker is the secret to getting that juicy, fall apart texture that everyone loves.
In this guide, I am going to share my favorite keto crockpot chicken recipes that are simple, delicious, and totally family friendly. Whether you are cooking for yourself or trying to feed picky kids, these meals are going to be a huge hit.
Why You Will Love Slow Cooking Chicken
Personally, I think the crockpot is the best invention for anyone on a keto diet. Here is why I believe you should be using it more often.
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It saves so much time. You just prep the food in the morning, and it is ready when you are.
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The meat stays juicy. The slow cooking process locks in moisture, so your chicken never gets tough.
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It is very budget friendly. You can use cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs, and they still taste amazing.
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Cleanup is a breeze. Most of the time, you only have one pot to wash.
Now, let’s dive into some of the best recipes I have found.
1. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
This is one of my go to meals when I want something that feels fancy but takes zero effort. It is rich, buttery, and goes perfectly with cauliflower rice.
What You Need
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2 pounds of skinless chicken thighs
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4 tablespoons of butter
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4 cloves of garlic, minced
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Half a cup of heavy cream
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1 teaspoon of dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make It
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Place your chicken thighs at the bottom of the crockpot.
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In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, and oregano.
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Pour the mixture over the chicken.
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Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours.
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Right before you are ready to eat, stir in the heavy cream. This makes the sauce so silky and nice.
One tip is to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds a bit of color and makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
2. Low Carb Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
If you like a little bit of heat, you are about to find out why this recipe is a fan favorite. I usually make a big batch of this and use it for salads or lettuce wraps throughout the week.
What You Need
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1.5 pounds of chicken breast
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Half a cup of buffalo hot sauce (make sure it has no added sugar)
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2 tablespoons of butter
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1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (check the label for carbs)
How To Make It
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Put the chicken, hot sauce, and ranch mix into the slow cooker.
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Add the butter on top.
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Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
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Once it is done, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot.
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Mix it all together so every piece of chicken is coated in that spicy sauce.
I suggest serving this with some celery sticks and a side of blue cheese dressing. It is pretty much the perfect keto game day food.
3. Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken
Sometimes you want a meal that feels light and fresh. That’s where this lemon herb chicken comes in. It is very simple and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
What You Need
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2 pounds of chicken drumsticks or thighs
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The juice of 2 large lemons
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2 tablespoons of olive oil
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1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
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3 cloves of garlic, smashed
How To Make It
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Arrange the chicken in your crockpot.
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Whisk the lemon juice, oil, garlic, and rosemary together.
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Pour it over the meat and make sure to coat everything well.
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Cook on low for 6 hours.
The thing is, the lemon juice helps break down the fibers in the meat, making it incredibly tender. My kids actually love this one because it isn’t too spicy or overwhelming.
Tips For The Best Keto Crockpot Chicken
Before you start cooking, I want to share a few secrets I have learned over the years. These will help make sure your meals come out perfect every single time.
Use Thighs Instead of Breasts
While chicken breasts are great, they can dry out if you leave them in the slow cooker for too long. Personally, I prefer chicken thighs because they have more fat. On a keto diet, fat is your friend. Plus, thighs are almost impossible to overcook in a crockpot.
Do Not Add Too Much Water
Many people feel like they need to add water or broth to the pot, but chicken releases a lot of its own juices. If you add too much liquid, your sauce will end up being watery and thin. Usually, the sauce from the fat and seasonings is enough.
Searing Is Optional But Recommended
If you have an extra five minutes, you might want to sear your chicken in a pan before putting it in the crockpot. This locks in the flavor and gives the skin a better texture. However, if you are in a rush, don’t stress about it. It will still taste good if you skip this step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Actually, it is usually recommended to thaw your chicken first. Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker can keep the meat in the “danger zone” temperature for too long. To be safe, I always suggest thawing your chicken in the fridge the night before.
How do I thicken the sauce without flour?
Since we are staying keto, we cannot use flour or cornstarch. Instead, you could try adding a little bit of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of the cooking time. Another trick is to let the sauce simmer with the lid off for about 30 minutes to let it reduce.
Can I overcook chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, even with all that moisture, chicken can eventually become “mushy” if it stays in there for 10 or 12 hours. I find that 6 hours on low is usually the sweet spot for most recipes.
Is rotisserie chicken keto?
Yes, it is. But making your own in the crockpot is often cheaper and you can control exactly what goes into the seasoning.
Why These Recipes Work For Families
I know how hard it is to cook different meals for different people. The great thing about these keto crockpot chicken recipes is that they are not just for people on a diet. You can serve the chicken to your kids with a side of potatoes or pasta, while you enjoy yours with some steamed broccoli or a big green salad.
It makes life so much easier when everyone can eat the same main dish. Plus, these recipes are so flavorful that nobody will even realize they are eating “health food.”
How To Store Your Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. These meals actually taste even better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld together.
You can also freeze these meals. I like to put the cooked chicken and sauce into freezer bags. Then, when I am having a really busy week, I just thaw a bag and heat it up on the stove. It is a total lifesaver.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, eating keto should be something you enjoy, not something that feels like a chore. Using a slow cooker allows you to make high quality, juicy meals without spending all day in the kitchen.
I hope you feel inspired to try one of these recipes tonight. Whether it is the creamy garlic chicken or the zesty lemon herb version, I think you are going to love how easy and delicious they are.
Believe it or not, healthy eating can be the simplest part of your day. Just prep your ingredients, set the timer, and go about your life. There you have it. Simple as that.
What do you think about these ideas. Have you ever tried making buffalo chicken in a slow cooker before. It is honestly a game changer.
If you enjoyed these tips, make sure to check back for more low carb ideas. I am always looking for ways to make the keto journey easier for all of us.