Keto Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Welcome to a delightful culinary experience with our Keto Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken! This recipe offers a mouthwatering blend of flavors that caters to your cravings while keeping your carbohydrate intake low. Utilizing a slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb the delicious marinade, creating tender, juicy pieces that are perfect for any meal. In this extensive guide, we will cover every aspect of the recipe, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and SmartPoints for those following the WW program.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium or coconut aminos for a healthier option)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
  • 2 tablespoons erythritol (or another keto-friendly sweetener; adjust to taste)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic for robust flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (adds warmth and depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for a hint of nuttiness)
  • 1 tablespoon water (to thin the sauce if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Your Kitchen

  1. Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them accurately. This ensures a smoother cooking process and helps you avoid any last-minute scrambles.
  2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your crockpot with a non-stick spray or a small amount of olive oil. This will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Searing the Chicken (Optional)

  1. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor to the dish.
  2. Remove and Set Aside: Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. The chicken will continue cooking in the crockpot, so it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 3: Making the Honey Garlic Sauce

  1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, erythritol, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This sauce will be the star of your dish, delivering rich, sweet, and savory flavors.
  2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out. This will ensure even distribution of the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.

Step 4: Cooking in the Crockpot

  1. Place Chicken in the Crockpot: Transfer the seared chicken thighs into the prepared crockpot, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
  2. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. You can also flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
  3. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful as it absorbs the sauce.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

  1. Check for Doneness: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, check the chicken for doneness. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you want the sauce thicker, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to allow it to reduce.
  2. Shred the Chicken (Optional): If you prefer shredded chicken, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir to coat it evenly with the sauce.

Step 6: Serving

  1. Serve Hot: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, serve it hot. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
  2. Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or a simple side salad to keep your meal low-carb while still satisfying.

Step 7: Storing Leftovers

  1. Cool and Store: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  2. Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chicken back in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Net Carbs: 5g

SmartPoints (WW)

  • PersonalPoints: 5 (may vary based on individual tracking)

Tips and Variations

  • Chicken Options: You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut, though thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender.
  • Sweetener Alternatives: If erythritol isn’t your preference, feel free to use monk fruit sweetener or another keto-friendly alternative. Adjust the quantity to taste.
  • Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce.

Useful Information

This Keto Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also provides a fantastic source of protein while keeping carbs to a minimum. The use of erythritol instead of traditional honey ensures that you can enjoy the sweet flavors without the associated sugar spikes. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a comforting weeknight meal.

Conclusion

Indulging in a flavorful and satisfying meal doesn’t have to compromise your health goals. This Keto Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect example of a delicious, low-carb dish that is easy to prepare and utterly satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, rich flavors, and the convenience of the slow cooker makes it an essential addition to your keto recipe collection. Enjoy this delightful dish knowing you’re making a smart choice for your health!

Feel free to customize this recipe according to your taste preferences, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of Keto Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken! Happy cooking!