Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
This Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and tender chicken dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Coated in a luscious garlic butter and Parmesan cheese sauce with Italian herbs and spices, this low-carb recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep. The chicken can be served shredded or whole, garnished with fresh parsley, and optionally finished under the broiler for a bubbly cheese crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. For additional flavor, you can sear the chicken briefly in a skillet before adding, but this step is optional.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the minced garlic until fully combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a faster option, cook on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow cooking is preferred for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Serve the chicken: Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and either shred with two forks or serve the pieces whole, depending on your preference. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken before plating.
- Add garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
- Optional sauce thickening: If you want a thicker sauce, remove the slow cooker lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate, or whisk in a small amount of xanthan gum.
- Optional broiler finish: For a crispy, golden cheese topping, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and place under the broiler for a few minutes until melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs tend to be more moist and flavorful.
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional, but it can add extra depth of flavor and a nice crust.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste or dietary needs.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat, but it’s optional for a milder dish.
- For a thicker sauce without xanthan gum, you can also remove the lid during the last half hour of cooking to reduce liquid.
- This recipe is keto-friendly and low in carbohydrates, suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Broiling the chicken at the end is optional and adds a delicious cheesy crust.
Keywords: Keto chicken, slow cooker chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, low carb dinner, creamy chicken recipe, easy slow cooker meals