This Easy Middle Eastern Keto Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe may be low in carbs, but it’s not light on flavor!
When my wife and I lived in the Twin Cities, we made it our mission to explore every corner of the area—especially its restaurants. We experienced so many foodie firsts there, one of which was Middle Eastern food. From falafel dipped in tahini to kofta (hands down, the best meat on a stick ever), there was no shortage of flavor. Ever since then, I’ve been inspired to create my own Middle Eastern dishes at home. This slow cooker recipe is one of my favorites!
It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and gets everyone asking, “What smells so good?” And come on, don’t pretend you don’t like to hear that from friends and fam! Plus, it’s cooked in a slow cooker, which is perfect for days you want to serve an impressive meal with minimal effort. Sure, it takes a few hours, but it’s easy to prep, and the flavors are anything but ordinary.
This dish features tender, fall-apart chicken thighs coated in a creamy, tangy sauce made with tahini, lemon, creamy goat cheese, and za’atar, your new favorite spice mix. Seriously, I put za’atar on everything from veggies to meats and potatoes. What’s more, the slow cooking process gets the chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth—we’re talking M&M’s level here, folks. Okay, maybe using an old M&M’s tagline is the most random analogy ever, but it fits. All this to say, you have to give this recipe a try. Not to toot my own horn, but I think it might become a regular part of your monthly menu rotation!
Are Middle Eastern Keto Slow-Cooker Chicken Thighs Healthy?
If you’re keto, then I’d say yes! The chicken provides protein, and you also get healthy fats from the tahini and goat cheese. Keto or not, this recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free!
However, to make the dish lighter, you can reduce the goat cheese or replace it with Greek yogurt. Likewise, chicken thighs are pretty fatty, so feel free to use chicken breast instead.
Why Za’atar Is The Star
Za’atar seasoning is what brings this dish to life. In fact, I use it a lot in my Middle Eastern recipes. The blend typically includes thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac. If you’re unfamiliar with sumac, that’s okay! You don’t usually see this spice in your average American meal. Basically, sumac is a tangy, citrusy spice made from ground sumac berries. It adds a bright, lemony flavor to the blend and also makes a worthy salt substitute on other dishes. If you’ve never cooked with za’atar before, this recipe is the perfect introduction. Next, try using it on your kebabs, and boy, do they take French fries to the next level!
How To Make Ahead And Store
Slow-cooker recipes like this one are the perfect meal prep! Simply cook the chicken as instructed, then let it cool a bit. When it’s cooled down, transfer it (along with the sauce) to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light and fresh accompaniment, try serving it with a fresh Cucumber Chickpea Salad. You could also serve it with traditional Middle Eastern sides like Tabbouleh or pita bread if carbs aren’t a concern. If you want something hearty, cauliflower rice or quinoa are excellent choices for soaking up the creamy sauce. Speaking of the sauce, I love drizzling it over Roasted Zucchini!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon Za'atar seasoning
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons Tahini paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 lemon cut into two wedges
- Fresh mint chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut any large visible chunks of fat off the chicken (optional) and put the thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle on the Za'atar seasoning and rub all over the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
- Place the goat cheese into a medium, microwave-safe bowl, and microwave until it just begins to soften, about 15-30 seconds. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the whole lemon and mint) into the bowl and whisk until smooth and the cheese is broken down.
- Pour over the chicken, making sure to cover it. Place the 2 lemon wedges into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked and tender. Or, on high heat for 1-2 hours (low is recommended).
- Once cooked, squeeze out the juice from the lemons into the slow cooker. Transfer the chicken to plates, and stir the remaining sauce in the slow cooker until well mixed.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with mint, if desired.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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