Juicy chicken dripping in bbq sauce, this Slow Cooker Keto Pulled Chicken is a house staple – for good reason. It’s super easy to throw together when short on prep time, and comes in at just 5.2g net carbs per serving! Load it onto Keto buns for an epic Keto sandwich the whole family will love!
This post was originally published on September 2, 2018, and has been updated with fresh content and images, plus we’ve added a video!
This bangin’ recipe was created 3 years ago and still to date is one of our favourites. I mean, it’s got the whole package! Super easy? Check. Totally delicious? Check. Low in carbs? Check. It also reheats great if you have leftovers, or freeze some for a dinner later on down the road. I know you’ll love this Keto Pulled Chicken as much as my family and I do!
Ingredients
Chicken – I prefer thighs in this Keto Pulled Chicken, but breast works too. You can either buy them boneless and skinless, or remove the bones and skin yourself.
Sweetener – My sweetener of choice for this Keto Pulled Chicken is Lakanto’s golden monk fruit sweetener. You can use any Keto sweetener you happen to have on hand.
Low Carb BBQ Sauce – I am obsessed with this homemade Low Carb BBQ Sauce. It is super easy to make and perfect for this Keto Pulled Chicken! If you have your own favourite sugar free bbq sauce, go ahead and try it in this recipe.
How to make Slow Cooker Keto Pulled Chicken
Start by heating a skillet on medium high. Combine rub ingredients in a mixing bowl, stir well, then mix in the chicken thighs until evenly coated.
When the skillet is hot, sear both sides of the chicken thighs for a couple of minutes on each side.
Add the chicken to the slow cooker and then cook on low for 5-6 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
When there is one hour remaining, remove the thighs from the slow cooker and whisk your choice of barbecue sauce into the chicken juice. Shred the chicken thighs using two forks.
Return the pulled chicken to the slow cooker and then mix into the sauce.
Cook for the remaining hour.
Make your choice of Keto bread, then load them up with Keto pulled chicken. Enjoy!
Watch the whole thing go down:
Expert Tips
- Boneless skinless chicken breast can be swapped for the thighs if you prefer.
- Use your favourite sugar free bbq sauce, or make your own Low Carb BBQ Sauce.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the best Keto buns for pulled chicken?
I prefer either 90 Second Keto Bread or Keto Chaffles for this recipe because they are fast and easy to make. Otherwise these Low Carb Onion Buns would be great, or make sliders with Keto Dinner Rolls!
How to store Keto Pulled Chicken
Got leftovers? Keto Pulled Chicken can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, if kept in an air tight container. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months!
What goes with Keto pulled chicken?
When I make Keto Pulled Chicken for my family, I will generally make a plate of veggies and Ranch, or pair them with a Caesar Salad or Broccoli, Bacon & Cheddar Salad. Coleslaw is awesome when piled onto the buns with the chicken, or go for something a little more fun and make some Low Carb Onion Rings!
Slow Cooker Keto Pulled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs *see note 1
- 1 cup Low Carb BBQ Sauce *see note 2
Rub
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp golden monk fruit sweetener *see note 3
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Slow cooker
Directions
- Start by heating a skillet on medium high. Combine rub ingredients in a mixing bowl, stir well, then mix in the chicken thighs until evenly coated.
- When the skillet is hot, sear both sides of the chicken thighs for a couple of minutes on each side.
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker and then cook on low for 5-6 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
- When there is one hour remaining, remove the thighs from the slow cooker and whisk your choice of barbecue sauce into the chicken juice. Shred the chicken thighs using two forks.
- Return the pulled chicken to the slow cooker and then mix into the sauce. Cook for the remaining hour.
- Make your choice of Keto bread, then load them up with Keto pulled chicken. Enjoy!
Notes
- I prefer thighs in this Keto Pulled Chicken, but breast works too. You can either buy them boneless and skinless, or remove the bones and skin yourself.
- I am obsessed with this homemade Low Carb BBQ Sauce. It is super easy to make and perfect for this Keto Pulled Chicken! If you have your own favourite sugar free bbq sauce, go ahead and try it in this recipe.
- My sweetener of choice for this Keto Pulled Chicken is Lakanto’s golden monk fruit sweetener. You can use any Keto sweetener you happen to have on hand.
- I prefer either 90 Second Keto Bread or Keto Chaffles for this recipe because they are fast and easy to make. Otherwise these Low Carb Onion Buns would be great, or make sliders with Keto Dinner Rolls!
This looks wonderful! I just got a great deal on chicken breasts and have stocked my freezer, and was looking for some new ways to enjoy my haul of chicken! This is at the top of my list to make!
I love this recipe! I try to eat low carb most of the time for a health condition, but my family doesn’t need to. However, I only want to make one dinner so finding recipes we all like, like this pulled chicken, is a must!
So glad you liked it Lauren!
This recipe looks so delicious and easy to make! I think it’s time for me to buy a slow cooker 😉
I was wondering what kind of sauce you were using for this to be keto. I’m gonna have to check that out and give this recipe a try! Love those low-carb options!
It is a homemade bbq sauce – so good! https://mamabearscookbook.com/low-carb-bbq-sauce/
This sounds delicious! I love that you can make it in the slow cooker! I live for those recipes!
Oh my goodness, this pulled chicken is so good! I am keto, so I love such great recipes. Delicious. My husband also loved it–I put his on top of his mashed potatoes, and he devoured it. (he is not keto, like me) I am making this again and again!
Awe I’m so glad Jenny!!
Are those waffles you’re serving the pulled chicken with? The whole thing looks amazing! Slow cooker is such a life saver.
Chaffles! So great!
Well you can never go wrong with a great chicken recipe. What a great way to stuff a bun, or top a salad or pasta. This will be a hit for sure.
your pulled pork came out soooo good! Thanks for sharing your recipe
So glad you like it Dennis!