The Easiest Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Make!
Craving a delicious and easy keto-friendly meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe is a weeknight dinner game-changer. Forget slaving over the stove – just toss a few simple ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and forget it. You’ll come home to tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. This is one of those crockpot recipes the whole family will love, even if they aren’t keto!
Why You’ll Love This Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply dump everything into the crockpot and let it do all the work!
- Incredibly Flavorful: The slow cooking process intensifies the flavors, resulting in the most delicious chicken you’ve ever had.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for lunches or dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy this tender and juicy chicken.
- Healthy and Keto-Approved: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this recipe fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken and this simple ingredient lift don’t break the bank!
Ingredients for Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions:
- Chicken: Chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Substitute with coconut cream or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Chicken Broth: You can use vegetable broth instead.
How to Make Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken. Add the salt and pepper.
- Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place dollops of softened cream cheese on top of the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Stir: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce until well combined. Let it simmer in the juices.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Check for doneness after 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (not keto) or xanthan gum (keto) with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Variations:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Crockpot Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:
- Over Cauliflower Rice: For a complete and satisfying keto meal.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a light and refreshing option.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are great choices.
- As a Topping for Salad: Add some healthy fats with avocado and a creamy dressing.
- Inside Bell Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with the chicken mixture and bake for a fun and flavorful dish.
- Side Dish: Consider some simple crockpot soup recipes for a satisfying addition.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
- Crockpot: Reheat in the crockpot on low for about 1-2 hours.
FAQ about Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A: While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you *can* use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. However, you’ll need to add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding. You can even use pre-cooked chicken for this crockpot chicken recipe and simply just warm it up in the crockpot with the other ingredients until it its time to serve.
Q: Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will result in a richer, more flavorful dish because chicken thigh recipes crockpot are notorious for keeping moisture inside of the chicken when they are cooked low and slow. Chicken thighs are also more forgiving than chicken breasts and less likely to dry out.
Q: Is this recipe really keto-friendly?
A: Yes! This Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe is designed to be low in carbs and high in fats. Just be sure to check the labels of your ingredients, especially the ranch seasoning mix, to ensure they don’t contain any added sugars or starches. This is one of the best keto crockpot recipes that you can rely on weekly!
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this crockpot chicken?
A: Of course! Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers for a more complete meal. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Q: What other kinds of dishes can I cook in my crockpot?
A: You can make tons of different things in your slow cooker, just browse online and you will find many types of recipes. You can make crockpot pasta recipes, crockpot dinner recipes, or even crockpot breakfast recipes!
Final Thoughts on Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe
So there you have it – the easiest and most delicious Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe you’ll ever make! Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and hello to a flavorful, healthy, and effortless meal. This recipe is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights and meal prepping. It fits nicely into any diet, providing you with a high-protein, delicious meal. Make sure you pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board to make it even easier to cook. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills… even though all you did was dump everything into a crockpot! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. And be sure to subscribe to my blog for more easy and delicious keto recipes!
Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken. Add the salt and pepper.
- Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place dollops of softened cream cheese on top of the chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Stir: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce until well combined. Let it simmer in the juices.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
