Keto Chicken Thighs in the Crock Pot – This slow cooker low carb chicken thighs combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with rich, savory flavors while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Thighs Crock Pot Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Toss everything into your Crock Pot and let it do the work!
- Juicy & Flavorful: Chicken thighs become incredibly tender and infused with rich flavors after slow cooking.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for keto dieters, this recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats while being low in carbs.
- Versatile: Serve it in a variety of ways—from over cauliflower rice to alongside your favorite veggies.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Keto Chicken Thighs
Thicken the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, stir in a bit of heavy cream for a creamy texture.
Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Bone-in thighs stay juicier and more flavorful compared to boneless options. Plus, the bones add richness to the broth!
Sear for Flavor: While it’s not required, searing the chicken thighs before slow cooking locks in flavor and gives the skin a bit of crispiness.
Avoid Overcooking: Although slow cookers are forgiving, cooking the chicken for too long can dry it out, especially if you’re using boneless thighs.
Variations to Try
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the Crock Pot during the last hour of cooking for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Spicy Chicken Thighs: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or hot sauce to the broth for a fiery kick.
- Herb Chicken Thighs: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil for a fragrant, herb-packed dish.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest along with garlic for a zesty, tangy flavor profile that pairs well with keto veggies like zucchini or asparagus.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Thighs
In Keto Tacos: Shred the chicken and serve in low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly taco night.
Over Cauliflower Rice: Keep it keto by serving the chicken thighs over cauliflower rice to soak up all the juices and sauce.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or green beans for a complete low-carb meal.
On a Bed of Greens: Place the thighs on top of a fresh bed of mixed greens or baby spinach for a light but satisfying meal.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storing: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Be sure to store them in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, place the chicken thighs in a baking dish with some of the juices to prevent them from drying out.
Keto Chicken Thighs Crock Pot Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but they may cook faster, so check them after about 5-6 hours on low.
Do I have to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
No, but searing adds flavor and a crispy texture to the skin. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get great results.
How many carbs are in this recipe?
This recipe contains roughly 2-3 grams of net carbs per serving, depending on the exact ingredients used, making it perfect for those on a strict keto diet.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster in the Crock Pot, so monitor the cooking time closely. Chicken thighs, especially bone-in, are much more forgiving and remain juicy.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute the broth with water, but the flavor might not be as rich. You could also use vegetable broth or a bouillon cube dissolved in water as an alternative.
Keto Chicken Thighs Crock Pot
Keto Chicken Thighs in the Crock Pot - This slow cooker low carb chicken thighs combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with rich, savory flavors while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 24 oz)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dehydrated onion
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar, divided
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Mix garlic powder, onion, salt, basil, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs and set aside.
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Pour olive oil and minced garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker. Add ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar to create a flavorful base.
- Load the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the oil and garlic. Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar over the chicken for extra tangy flavor.
- For boneless thighs: Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours.
If using bone-in thighs: Cook on high for 2-3 hours. - Tip: If you have an older slow cooker, you may need to cook an additional hour for best results.
- Finish & Serve: Once done, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 218Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 348mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 27g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Keto Chicken Thighs in the Crock Pot is not only incredibly easy but also a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting, low-carb meal with minimal effort. Whether you prefer a creamy, cheesy variation or something with a little spice, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. Best of all, it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight. So dust off that Crock Pot and give this keto-friendly recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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