Tender and Juicy Keto Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs in the Crockpot!

Are you looking for an easy, flavorful, and keto-friendly meal that practically cooks itself?

Look no further than this Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs recipe.

This dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and a fragrant blend of fresh herbs.

Whether you’re on a busy weeknight or preparing a weekend meal, this hands-off recipe ensures you get a satisfying and healthy dinner with minimal effort.

Best of all, it’s low-carb, making it perfect for anyone following a keto diet.

Let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

When it comes to the keto diet, finding meals that are both flavorful and easy to prepare can be a challenge.

This Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect solution.

Not only is it packed with taste, but it’s also incredibly simple to make.

1. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
   This dish is perfect for those who are following a ketogenic diet, as it’s high in healthy fats and low in carbs. With the juicy chicken thighs and fresh herbs, it’s a satisfying and filling meal that won’t knock you out of ketosis.
2. Flavor-Packed with Lemon and Herbs
   The zesty lemon adds a refreshing brightness to the chicken, while the fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley, create a wonderfully aromatic and savory flavor profile. This combination makes every bite bursting with freshness.
3. Tender and Juicy Chicken Thighs
   Thanks to the slow cooker, the chicken thighs come out perfectly tender and juicy. The crockpot helps the chicken absorb all the flavors of the marinade while keeping it moist, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. Hands-Off Cooking with Minimal Prep
   One of the best parts of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can let the crockpot take care of the rest. Once everything is in the slow cooker, you’re free to relax and enjoy the rest of your day while your dinner cooks itself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a flavorful, low-carb dish.

• Chicken Thighs
  Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture, or opt for boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer. Both options work well in this recipe.
• Olive Oil or Butter
  Use olive oil or melted butter to create a rich and savory base for the marinade. Both options complement the chicken perfectly, adding depth to the flavor.
• Fresh Lemon
  You’ll need both the zest and the juice of a fresh lemon. The zest adds an aromatic citrus flavor, while the juice provides a tangy kick to the chicken.
• Garlic
  Minced garlic enhances the overall flavor of the dish, giving it a savory, aromatic undertone.
• Fresh Herbs
  Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley are the key herbs in this recipe. They lend an earthy and fragrant quality to the chicken, making it more aromatic and flavorful.
• Salt and Pepper
  Simple seasonings like salt and pepper bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and balance the zesty lemon and fresh herbs.
• Chicken Broth
  A bit of chicken broth adds moisture to the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
• Optional Seasonings
  You can add extra garlic powder, onion powder, or other herbs to taste if you want to adjust the flavors further. These are optional but can enhance the seasoning profile to your liking.

With these simple ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from a mouthwatering, keto-friendly meal!

How to Make Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Making Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs is as easy as it sounds.

The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a delicious, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort.

1. Prep the Chicken Thighs
   Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs if necessary, and then pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps the seasoning stick better. Next, season the thighs generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices or seasonings you like. This simple step ensures the chicken has a solid base flavor before adding the lemon herb marinade.
2. Make the Lemon Herb Marinade
   In a small bowl, zest a fresh lemon and then juice it. Add the zest and juice to the bowl, along with minced garlic, and finely chopped rosemary and thyme. Stir in olive oil or melted butter to the mixture, which will help coat the chicken and keep it moist as it cooks. Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the marinade is well-seasoned and balanced.
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
   While not strictly necessary, searing the chicken thighs before adding them to the crockpot can enhance the flavor and texture. To do this, heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step helps to lock in juices and add an extra layer of savory flavor.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken
   Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared lemon herb marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Add a little chicken broth to the crockpot—just enough to cover the bottom and provide moisture. Set the crockpot to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the crockpot and serve immediately. You can drizzle the remaining juices from the slow cooker over the chicken for added flavor. Pair it with a low-carb side dish like mashed cauliflower or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

To ensure your Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs come out absolutely perfect, here are some tips that will help you achieve the best results:

1. Choosing the Right Chicken Thighs
   Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe. The skin helps keep the meat moist and adds a delicious crispiness if you sear it first. However, boneless, skinless thighs can be used if you prefer less fat or want a quicker cooking time.
2. Achieving Crispy Skin
   If you prefer crispy skin on your chicken, searing the thighs before adding them to the slow cooker is key. Another option is to broil the chicken for a few minutes after it’s finished cooking in the crockpot. This will give you that desirable crispy texture without losing the tenderness from the slow-cooking process.
3. Adjusting the Flavor
   Feel free to adjust the lemon and herbs to suit your taste. If you love a strong lemon flavor, add extra lemon juice or zest. You can also experiment with different herbs, like oregano or basil, to customize the flavor to your liking.
4. Adding Extra Moisture
   If you find the chicken getting dry during the slow cooking process, add a little more chicken broth. This will keep the chicken moist and ensure it absorbs all the delicious flavors from the marinade.
5. Storing Leftovers
   Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store the chicken in an airtight container to preserve its flavor and moisture. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
6. Use Fresh Herbs for Best Flavor
   While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley really bring out the best flavor in this dish. Fresh herbs are aromatic and vibrant, elevating the lemon flavor and giving the chicken a fragrant, savory quality.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly every time!

Conclusion

This Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs recipe is a delicious and effortless meal that’s perfect for anyone following a keto lifestyle or anyone simply looking for a flavorful, low-maintenance dinner.

The bright citrusy lemon paired with fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen while the slow cooker ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.

With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this dish is ideal for busy days when you still want to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal.

Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s bound to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
   Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, bone-in, skin-on thighs are preferred for their added moisture and flavor. If you use boneless, the cooking time may be slightly reduced.
2. Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low in the slow cooker?
   Yes, you can cook the chicken on high, but be sure to check it after 2.5 to 3 hours. Cooking on high may result in slightly less tender chicken, but it will still be flavorful.
3. What can I serve with Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs?
   For a well-rounded keto meal, pair the chicken with low-carb side dishes like mashed cauliflower, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice also make great accompaniments.
4. How can I store leftovers?
   Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little chicken broth to keep it moist.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or on the stovetop.

Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Linda M. Harris

This Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs recipe delivers a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s both keto-friendly and full of flavor.

The chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a zesty lemon and herb marinade, resulting in tender, juicy meat that is packed with aromatic, fresh flavors.

Perfect for a low-carb diet, this hands-off meal lets the crockpot do all the work while you enjoy a healthy and satisfying dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Keto, Low-Carb

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Crockpot (slow cooker)
• 1 Skillet (Optional, for searing)
• 1 Small bowl (for marinade)
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Knife (for chopping herbs and garlic)
• 1 zester or grater (for lemon zest)
• 1 Spoon (for mixing marinade)

Ingredients

  

• 4 Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs (about 2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Melted Butter
• 1 Fresh Lemon zest and juice
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper or to taste
• 1/4 cup Chicken Broth

Instructions

 

Prep the Chicken Thighs

• Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Make the Lemon Herb Marinade

• In a small bowl, combine the zest and juice of 1 lemon, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

  Stir in olive oil or melted butter and mix well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Optional: Sear the Chicken

• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

  Sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

  Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker.

Slow Cook the Chicken

• Pour the lemon herb marinade over the chicken thighs in the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is coated in the mixture.

  Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Serve and Enjoy

• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the crockpot. Serve it with your choice of low-carb sides, and drizzle the leftover juices from the crockpot over the chicken for extra flavor.

Notes

• You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• For extra crispy skin, sear the chicken before slow cooking or broil the thighs for a few minutes after they’re done in the crockpot.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon and herbs based on your personal preferences.
• This recipe stores well and can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Keyword Keto Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Linda M. Harris

Linda M. Harris is the founder of HomingHQ.com, a vibrant blog dedicated to recipes, home decor, nails, gardening, health, and lifestyle topics. With a passion for creating a warm and inspiring home environment, Linda launched the website to share practical tips, creative ideas, and expert advice with readers looking to enhance their daily lives.