How to Make Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Creamy, Low‑Carb and Effortless!
An indulgent keto dinner made in your slow cooker with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Overview of Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken delivers creamy garlic-butter flavors, rich Parmesan, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken—while staying low in carbs and effortlessly hands-off. Chicken breast pieces slow-cook in a savory garlic-Parmesan sauce enriched with cream cheese for texture and Parmesan for tang. The dish is gluten-free, keto-friendly, and ideal for meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners. With only 5 minutes of prep, it’s perfect for busy days. Once finished, stir in additional Parmesan and optional leafy greens for contrast. Serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice for a complete, satisfying low-carb meal.
Ingredients of Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Makes 6 servings
- 2 lb. (900 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1″ pieces
- 12 oz. (≈340 g) garlic-Parmesan sauce (or substitute: homemade sauce + Parmesan)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, cubed
- ½–¾ cup heavy cream or milk (for keto richness)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herbs (thyme, oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach or kale stirred in at end
Cook & Prep Times
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Slow Cooker (Low/High) | 6 hours / 4 hours |
| Total Time | ~6 hours 5 mins |
How To Make Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken:
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Trim excess fat from 2 lb. of boneless chicken breasts and cut into 1-inch uniform pieces. Ensuring similar size promotes even cooking.
2. Build the Base Sauce
Pour a 12-ounce bottle of garlic-Parmesan sauce into the slow cooker. Add heavy cream or whole milk to the empty bottle, shake to release any residue, and pour it in to preserve flavor. Whisk gently to combine sauce and cream.
3. Add Chicken & Cream Cheese
Place the cubed chicken into the sauce, tossing lightly to coat. Add 8 oz. cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken without stirring—this prevents curdling and allows the cheese to melt slowly during the cooking process.
4. Slow-Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is thoroughly tender.
5. Blend & Finish the Sauce
Remove the lid and gently stir to incorporate the cream cheese into the garlic sauce, forming a velvety consistency. Sprinkle in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir again until fully melted and smooth.
6. Optional Greens
For added nutrition, gently fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale. Cover and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes or until greens have wilted and fully integrated into the sauce.
7. Serve & Garnish
Ladle the creamy chicken over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles (zoodles), or shirataki pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and a light grating of extra Parmesan for a polished presentation.
Instructions
- Prep Meat & Sauce: Trim fat from chicken, cut into 1″ cubes. If using off-the-shelf garlic-Parmesan sauce, pour it into the slow cooker and shake the jar with milk or cream to rinse out excess sauce.
- Add Chicken & Flavor: Add chicken pieces, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to coat.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place cubed cream cheese on top of the sauce and chicken without stirring.
- Slow Cook: Cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
- Finish Sauce: Gently stir to blend cream cheese. Sprinkle in remaining Parmesan cheese and stir in fresh spinach or kale if desired. Cover and cook an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve: Spoon creamy chicken over cauliflower rice, zoodles, or steamed broccoli. Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 6 servings, no sides)
Based on estimated conversion from similar recipes:
- Calories: ~300–350 kcal
- Protein: 33–36 g
- Fat: 22–24 g
- Net Carbs: 3–5 g
- Sodium: ~500–600 mg
- Sugar: 1–2 g
(Adjust based on sauce brand or dairy additions; heavy cream increases fat/calories.)
Serving of Keto Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Serve this hearty dish over low‑carb “pasta” options—like spiralized zucchini, shirataki noodles, or cauliflower rice. It pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Mashed cauliflower
- Fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crusty keto bread for dipping
Garnish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan for an elevated presentation.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Cover and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to re-emulsify the sauce. Avoid microwave to preserve creaminess and texture.
Pro Tips
- Avoid dried-out chicken by using thighs or bone-in pieces, optionally searing before slow cooking.
- Use real Parmesan, not imitation; quality matters for texture and flavor.
- Don’t stir in Parmesan too early—add it near the end to preserve melted creaminess.
- Add leafy greens (spinach, kale) at the end to bulk up and add nutrition.
