Herbed Slow-Cooker Chicken
1 chicken breast half: 211 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Flavorful Pot Roast
6 ounce-weight: 142 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 496mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
On hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin
5 ounces cooked pork: 259 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
I find that simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Simple, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
1/4 cup dip (calculated without chips): 167 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
If you like spice, you'll love this slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip. It's super cheesy and full of rich flavor, and really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it’s gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Italian Mushrooms
1/2 cup: 99 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that goes well with slow-cooker beef. —Kim Reichert, Fargo, North Dakota
Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad
1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping to measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops
2 lamb chops: 201 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
These slow cooker lamb chops are, without a doubt, the lamb dish we like best. I usually simmer them on low for hours. The aroma is irresistible, and they come out so tender, they practically melt in your mouth! —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Spicy Lime Chicken
1 serving: 132 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
I’ve been turning this spicy lime chicken into tacos for years, but it was my son Austin who put it on cooked rice with all his favorite taco toppings. A family favorite was created out of leftovers! —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Italian Meatballs and Sausages
1 serving: 200 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
Here’s a wonderful nibble for a tailgate or any family function. The snack is so easy to prepare and also very tasty. I’ve doubled and even tripled the recipe for large groups. No matter how much I make, I always come home with an empty slow cooker. —Jan Kasinger, Graham, Washington
Oregano Green Beans with Toasted Pine Nuts
1 cup: 94 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
This super easy side dish is a wonderful picnic or potluck recipe. It’s a beautiful, surprising mix that leaves guests and family raving. You can substitute any kind of nut for the pine nuts or even replace them with fresh berries. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Slow-Cooker Kalua Pork & Cabbage
1 cup: 227 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
My slow-cooker pork has four ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to prep. The result tastes just like the luscious slow-roasted kalua pork that’s served in Hawaii. —Rholinelle DeTorres, San Jose, California
Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken
5 ounces cooked chicken: 408 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 44g protein.
It’s easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Slow-Cooker Caponata
1/4 cup: 34 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
This Italian eggplant dip preps quickly and actually gets better as it stands. Serve it warm or at room temperature. Try adding a little leftover caponata to scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana
Lemon Chicken with Basil
5 ounces cooked chicken: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
No matter when I eat it, this tangy slow-cooked chicken reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Keto Crockpot FAQ
How do I make keto Crockpot recipes flavorful while keeping the carb count low?
Focus on herbs, spices and other low-carb ingredients that pack tons of flavor. Experiment with freshly-ground pepper, garlic, ginger, oregano and other spices.
To get the best flavor from your meat, brown it before tossing it in the slow cooker. You’ll taste the caramelized flavor in every bite. When your Crockpot recipe is almost ready, add full-fat dairy like sour cream or heavy cream to thicken the texture.
What is the best kind of protein for keto slow-cooker recipes?
Slow-cooker recipes are perfect for the keto diet because fatty cuts of meat tend to be the best. Cuts like chuck roasts, short ribs and pork shoulders are usually tough and fatty. As they cook for hours in the slow cooker, the meat becomes tender and moist. Leaner cuts like chicken breast or pork tenderloin tend to dry out faster.
Can I meal-prep keto slow-cooker recipes?
Yes! Simply chop the vegetables and herbs, marinate the meat and place the mixture in a sealed freezer bag. Consider doubling or tripling the recipe to create leftovers for later.