Keto Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:

  • 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or with skin for added flavor and fat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional, for heat) or cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 stick butter, diced
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and crushed red chili flakes (if using).
  2. Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker:
    • Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
  3. Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Mixture:
    • In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
    • Top the chicken with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and diced butter.
  4. Slow Cook:
    • Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Garnish and Serve:
    • Once done, sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve hot with your favorite low-carb sides like sautéed spinach, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 1 thigh):

  • Calories: ~300
  • Fat: ~20g
  • Protein: ~22g
  • Net Carbs: ~2g (mostly from lemon juice and garlic)

Nutritional values may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and ingredients.

Keto Tips:

  1. High in Fat: Using butter and chicken thighs ensures that this dish is high in fat, which is great for keto. You can also use skin-on chicken thighs for even more fat content.
  2. Low in Carbs: The ingredients used are very low in carbs, making this dish perfect for staying within your keto goals.
  3. Pair with Low-Carb Veggies: This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted broccoli, cauliflower mash, or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb.
  4. Extra Flavor: If you like your dish a little creamier, consider adding a splash of heavy cream towards the end for a rich sauce.

Benefits:

  • Keeps You in Ketosis: With virtually no carbs and a good amount of fat, this meal supports your keto goals and helps keep you in ketosis.
  • Rich in Protein: The chicken thighs provide a good amount of protein to keep you satisfied for longer.
  • Easy to Make: Using a crock pot makes this recipe incredibly simple. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy a delicious meal later!

This Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs dish is not only full of flavor but also fits perfectly into a low-carb diet!