Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make, Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an ideal choice. With tender, juicy chicken infused with the bold, rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and cream, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, while the chicken becomes fall-apart tender with minimal effort on your part.

Whether you’re a busy home cook, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a low-carb comfort food option, this recipe will be your go-to. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll be able to prepare a meal that is rich, savory, and perfectly suited to a ketogenic lifestyle.

Why Choose Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: The recipe is designed to be low in carbohydrates, which is perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. It is free of starches and refined sugars.
• High in Healthy Fats & Protein: Chicken is a fantastic source of protein, while the combination of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese provides healthy fats that help you stay in ketosis.
• Convenient & Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cookers are a great option for busy people. Once you’ve prepped the ingredients, you can simply set it and forget it while the cooker does all the work.
• Flavorful & Versatile: The rich combination of garlic and Parmesan delivers a satisfying, savory flavor, and the creamy sauce can be served over various low-carb sides like zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or leafy greens.

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (Crockpot) – 4 to 6-quart size
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board
• Large sauté pan (optional)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
• Serving spoons and tongs

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Trim the Chicken:
   If you’re using bone-in chicken thighs, remove any excess skin and trim any visible fat. For boneless chicken breasts, simply ensure the breasts are even in size for uniform cooking.
   Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during cooking (if using thighs with skin).
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):
   Although the slow cooker will tenderize the chicken, searing the chicken in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker will enhance the flavor and texture.
   In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down if using skin-on, and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
   This step will add extra depth of flavor by developing a nice, caramelized exterior, which will contribute to the overall richness of the dish.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce in the Slow Cooker:
   In your slow cooker, combine the minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese. Stir gently to incorporate. The cream cheese will melt during cooking, helping to thicken the sauce and give it a velvety texture.
2. Add Seasonings:
   Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of spice, add the crushed red pepper flakes here. You can also add lemon zest or fresh thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Place the Chicken in the Slow Cooker:
   Arrange the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, ensuring they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. If using skin-on thighs, place the skin-side up to keep the skin crispy.
4. Cook on Low:
   Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Step 3: Finishing the Dish

1. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker once it’s cooked through. Use a whisk to stir the sauce to help it reduce slightly, or you can add 1-2 tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce. Let it cook on high for an additional 15 minutes if needed.
2. Shred or Serve the Chicken:
   After the chicken has cooked, you can either shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or remove it, and serve it as whole pieces. The choice is yours! If shredding, use two forks to pull the chicken apart into tender, bite-sized pieces.
3. Add Parmesan Cheese:
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for an added rich and nutty flavor. The cheese will also help to thicken the sauce and create a creamy, velvety texture.
4. Garnish & Serve:
   Once everything is combined and the sauce is thick and creamy, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. This adds both flavor and a touch of color to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

While the Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is rich and creamy on its own, it pairs wonderfully with low-carb sides. Here are some ideas for perfect accompaniments:

1. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles):

• Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles are a great substitute for traditional pasta and provide a satisfying, crunchy base for the chicken and sauce.

2. Cauliflower Rice:

• A popular low-carb alternative to rice, cauliflower rice has a mild flavor and can soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. You can either buy pre-riced cauliflower or pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor.

3. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower:

• If you love mashed potatoes but want a low-carb alternative, mashed cauliflower is a fantastic option. It’s creamy, rich, and a great match for the garlicky Parmesan chicken.

4. Sautéed Spinach or Kale:

• For some added greens, sautéed spinach or kale makes a perfect side. You can toss the greens with a little garlic and olive oil for extra flavor.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with a bit of Parmesan cheese make an excellent side dish that pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken

1. Choose the Right Chicken:

• Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking as they tend to stay juicy and tender. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, those will work too but may cook faster.

2. Season to Taste:

• Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the number of garlic cloves in the recipe. Garlic powder or garlic paste can also be used for a more subtle flavor.

3. Customize the Sauce:

• Herbs: Customize the sauce with herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano. If you like a more intense flavor, you can also add a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.

4. Cooking Time Adjustments:

• Cooking on High: If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours instead of low, but you may need to check the chicken earlier to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

5. Add More Vegetables:

• You can add low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach directly into the slow cooker. They will absorb the delicious sauce and add extra texture and flavor.

Variations on the Recipe

1. Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bacon:

• For extra flavor, add cooked bacon pieces to the sauce. The smoky, salty bacon will enhance the richness of the dish and provide a nice contrast to the creaminess.

2. Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Mushrooms:

• Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture. The mushrooms will soak up the garlic Parmesan sauce and create a more complex dish.

3. Chicken Alfredo:

• To transform this dish into a keto-friendly Alfredo, simply add more heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and reduce the broth to create a thicker, Alfredo-like sauce.

Conclusion

The Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a low-carb, high-fat dish that’s rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this recipe offers the convenience of the slow cooker without sacrificing flavor. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce makes each bite comforting and indulgent, while the chicken stays juicy and tender.

Whether served over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to please anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle or anyone who enjoys flavorful, comforting food.

Advanced Tips and Tricks for Slow Cooker Cooking

For those who want to elevate their cooking game, there are several tips and tricks that can ensure your slow cooker meals turn out perfectly every time. These methods help you get the most out of your slow cooker and optimize the flavor, texture, and overall cooking process.

1. Searing the Chicken First

Although this is optional, searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker can add extra depth of flavor and color to the dish. By searing the chicken on all sides in a hot skillet, you caramelize the surface and create a more complex, savory flavor. While the slow cooker will tenderize the chicken during cooking, the initial sear helps lock in juices and gives it a slightly crisp outer texture.

How to Sear the Chicken:

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season your chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper.
• Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the skin is golden brown.
• Once seared, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over it.

Searing adds only a few extra minutes to the prep time but can elevate the flavor of your dish considerably.

2. Don’t Lift the Lid

It’s tempting to lift the lid and check on your meal while it’s cooking, but doing so actually releases heat and extends cooking time. Keep the lid on throughout the cooking process to retain heat and moisture. This is especially important for dishes like slow cooker chicken, where you want the meat to stay moist and tender.

3. Cooking on Low vs. High

Slow cookers are designed to cook food at a steady, low temperature, but you may notice that some recipes call for either a “low” or “high” setting. In the case of chicken, the low setting is often preferable because it allows for more tender, juicier results.

• Low Heat (Recommended for Chicken): This is usually around 200°F (93°C). Chicken cooked on low will break down more slowly and retain more moisture. This is ideal for bone-in cuts like thighs, as they become incredibly tender and flavorful.
• High Heat: High heat typically reaches around 300°F (150°C). Cooking on high is faster but can result in drier, tougher chicken. If you must use the high setting, aim for the lower end of the cooking time range to avoid overcooking.

4. Use Chicken Broth or Stock for Extra Flavor

If you want an even more flavorful base for your sauce, consider adding a splash of low-sodium chicken broth or stock to the slow cooker. This not only enhances the richness of the sauce but also helps keep the chicken moist throughout the cooking process.

• How to incorporate broth: Add ½ cup of chicken broth along with the cream, butter, and Parmesan in the slow cooker. This will create a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the garlic and cheese.

5. Thicken the Sauce

After cooking, you may want to thicken the sauce further to make it even creamier. To do this, you can:

• Use Xanthan Gum: If you’re looking for a keto-friendly thickening agent, xanthan gum works wonders. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum into the sauce and stir. This will create a thicker, velvety texture.
• Reduce the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can transfer the sauce to a small saucepan after cooking, bring it to a simmer over medium heat, and cook it down to your desired thickness.

This will give you that creamy, luxurious sauce that sticks to the chicken, making every bite rich and satisfying.

How to Make a Low-Carb Side Dish to Pair with Your Chicken

This Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is rich, creamy, and savory, which pairs perfectly with a variety of keto-friendly side dishes. Here are a few simple yet delicious side dishes that will complement your chicken without breaking the carb count.

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

If you’re missing mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower is a perfect low-carb substitute. This creamy, buttery side dish is full of flavor and pairs wonderfully with the garlic Parmesan chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam the cauliflower florets until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork (about 8-10 minutes).
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the cauliflower with a potato masher or use a hand blender to purée it until smooth.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Stir the garlic butter and heavy cream into the mashed cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the mashed cauliflower alongside your garlic Parmesan chicken for a comforting, low-carb pairing.

2. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)

Zucchini noodles are an excellent, light alternative to pasta. They are easy to prepare and pair beautifully with creamy sauces like the one in your garlic Parmesan chicken recipe.

Instructions:

1. Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to make zucchini noodles.
2. Sauté the zoodles in olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, just until tender but still firm.
3. Season with salt and pepper and serve with your Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken for a satisfying, low-carb meal.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Roasted vegetables are a simple yet delicious side that pairs well with any creamy chicken dish. Roasted broccoli is especially good as its crispy edges contrast nicely with the tender, juicy chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is crispy and caramelized on the edges.
5. Serve alongside your slow-cooked garlic Parmesan chicken for a crunchy, flavorful contrast.

Customizing the Recipe for Different Diets and Preferences

While this Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle, you can easily adapt it to suit other dietary needs or preferences. Here are a few options for modifying the recipe:

1. Dairy-Free Version

For a dairy-free or lactose-intolerant version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, cashew, or oat milk). Use a plant-based Parmesan substitute, or leave it out entirely and add extra nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free flavor.

2. Whole30 or Paleo

To make this recipe Whole30 or Paleo-compliant, use coconut milk or coconut cream in place of the heavy cream, and omit the butter. You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Make sure to check the labels of any prepackaged ingredients (such as broth or seasoning blends) to ensure they are Whole30 or Paleo-approved.

3. Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. However, always double-check store-bought products like chicken broth or seasoning packets to ensure they are gluten-free.

4. Lower-Fat Version

For a lower-fat version, you can replace the heavy cream with a reduced-fat or fat-free option. However, be mindful that this may affect the richness and creaminess of the sauce. You can also reduce the butter or use a light version, though this will slightly alter the flavor.

5. Keto with Veggies

If you want to incorporate more vegetables into the dish, consider adding spinach, kale, or mushrooms to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking. These vegetables will absorb the garlic Parmesan sauce and add extra flavor and texture to the meal.

Final Thoughts

The Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a wonderfully versatile recipe that checks all the boxes: it’s low-carb, rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prepping. The slow cooker method ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy, while the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce adds a luxurious touch.

With a few simple modifications, this recipe can be adjusted to accommodate various dietary preferences, making it a go-to meal for those following keto, paleo, Whole30, or gluten-free diets. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or looking for an easy meal prep option for the week, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Yield: 6

Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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The Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a wonderfully versatile recipe that checks all the boxes: it’s low-carb, rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prepping. The slow cooker method ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy, while the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce adds a luxurious touch.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. If you prefer, you can sear the chicken in a skillet first to develop more flavor, but it's not necessary for this recipe.

2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the minced garlic until everything is well combined.

3. Combine:

• Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.

4. Cook:

• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). If you’re in a rush, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.

5. Serve:

• Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks if desired, or serve the breasts/thighs whole. Pour some of the creamy sauce over the chicken before serving.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

6. Optional:

• If you like your sauce thicker, you can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to help it reduce, or mix in a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken the sauce.
• For extra texture, you can also top the chicken with more grated Parmesan cheese and place it under the broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese.

Notes

Chicken Options: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving in the slow cooker, while breasts may need a little extra attention to prevent them from drying out. If you opt for bone-in chicken, adjust the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes.

Make It Dairy-Free: If you're following a dairy-free keto diet, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Use a plant-based Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to achieve a cheesy flavor.

Thickening the Sauce: The sauce in this recipe is rich and creamy, but if you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a pinch of xanthan gum (a common keto thickener) towards the end of cooking. Simply whisk it in slowly to avoid clumping, and let the sauce cook for another 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Flavor Variations:

Sides: Serve this garlic Parmesan chicken with keto-friendly sides such as cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or a simple leafy green salad. Steamed broccoli or asparagus would also pair well to balance the richness of the dish.

Freezing: This dish is excellent for meal prep. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Keto-friendly Pasta: If you're craving pasta, serve the chicken over a low-carb option such as zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a full keto meal.