Aleka, Author at Kasey Trenum

Keto Shepherd’s Pie (with Mashed Cauliflower)

This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is made with a deliciously creamy mashed cauliflower, so it has all the flavor without the carbs! You’ll love how easy it is to make and you can even make ahead for busy nights.

This keto-friendly shepherd’s pie recipe, or “cottage pie” as some refer to it, is super hearty and guaranteed to fill your tummy. Shepherd’s pie is made with a thick layer of ground beef that is typically seasoned well and mixed with veggies and herbs before being topped with mashed potatoes. This keto version is a fantastic substitute for traditional shepherd’s pie but without all the carbs from potatoes, carrots, and peas. Instead, we use low carb veggies and cauliflower in place of the potatoes, which is the perfect substitute! Bonus points that cauliflower is full of nutrients and fiber!continue reading…

Keto/Low Carb Pasta Alternatives

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Pasta is one thing that is often missed on the keto diet. However, there ARE keto-friendly pasta alternatives that you can still enjoy that are both yummy and filling! Check out my recommendations below as well as low carb pasta recipe ideas!

Fortunately, there are SO many different products on the market these days, so we don’t have to be bored when dieting. Boredom can cause some people to fall off the keto wagon and head right for those carbs. But there is no excuse with the wide array of low carb and carb-free alternatives out there! And if your grocery store does not have what you’re looking for, ordering online is easier than ever!

Below are a few pasta alternatives you might want to throw into your online cart. I also included a few of my favorite “pasta” keto recipes that use a few of these alternatives.

Check out this keto low carb pasta alternative shopping list on Amazon.

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Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts (No Breading)

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Cooking marinated chicken breasts in your air fryer could not be any easier! This recipe uses no breading but instead a delicious marinade, which yields tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken breasts that are very low in carbs and super healthy!

How to make marinated chicken breasts in your air fryer (without breading)

This air fryer chicken breast recipe is SO simple and full of flavor! You won’t miss that it has no breading. All the flavor comes from marinating the chicken breasts for 4+ hours to help the flavor infuse into the chicken. Air fryers are like mini convection ovens allowing the hot air to circulate around the chicken consistently. Air fryers cook food more evenly and distribute heat better. They are just awesome!

For this air fryer chicken recipe, I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I make sure to buy chicken breasts that are not too thick or thin. If you do have very thick chicken breasts, you’ll want to cut them in half lengthwise or pound them out a bit so the chicken will cook through.continue reading…

Keto Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables

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This Keto Chicken Stir Fry recipe is made with lots of low carb vegetables and a deliciously thick stir fry sauce! Serve this chicken stir fry over a bed of steamed cauliflower rice for a delicious keto-friendly dinner!

How to make Keto Chicken Stir Fry (with Vegetables)

If you are a huge Chinese food take-out fan, this stir fry with chicken recipe is for you! Make sure you also check out my Keto Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry recipe too! It is a favorite in our house. A stir fry is such a well-rounded meal that is super low in carbs and full of fiber. Plus, they are usually packed with veggies that are completely “swappable” for lack of a better word. So if you dislike broccoli, add cauliflower, if you dislike that, add in some green beans instead. Or how about some mushrooms? The veggie choices are totally up to you!

Keto Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients:

Broccoli florets, purple onion, garlic, bell peppers: Low carb veggies that you can swap out if you wish
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are what I use to cut into cubes, but you can use any chicken you have on hand.
Chicken broth, Braggs aminos, brown sugar, sesame oil, Xanthan gum: These ingredients are what make up your stir fry sauce.

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Creamy Keto Chicken Marsala

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This Creamy Keto Chicken Marsala recipe is a low carb version of the traditional Italian dish. It is made in one pan using thinly sliced chicken breasts, mushrooms, and topped with a rich and creamy marsala sauce.

How to make chicken marsala keto-friendly

Your classic chicken Marsala recipe is pretty keto-friendly in general. The only thing that makes it not keto-friendly is the flour that is typically used to coat the chicken cutlets before pan-frying. The flour helps to soak up the sauce on the exterior of the chicken. It also helps to thicken the sauce.

But this keto version is made without flour or thickeners so, although the flavors are still the same, the consistency is a little different. The result is still juicy golden chicken cutlets smothered in a lusciously rich sauce that is well seasoned and full of Marsala flavor.

If you love chicken dishes, you have to try my Keto Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables!continue reading…

Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe (with Creamy Dressing)

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Big macs on a keto diet? Yes! This Keto Big Mac Salad recipe will satisfy those big mac craving any day of the week! Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and topped with a deliciously creamy big mac burger sauce, I promise you will NOT miss the McDonald’s version!

How to make a keto big mac salad

Cheeseburger fan but sticking to a keto diet? I got you covered.

This big mac salad recipe is keto-friendly, low carb, and packed with those burger flavors we all love! This delicious salad is made with low carb, crisp veggies, and topped with a seasoned meat mixture that is packed with burger flavors. I love adding freshly grated cheddar cheese to many of my keto salads, and this one is no different. When you add it to the top of your warmed meat mixture, it will slightly melt, reminding you of a warm juicy cheeseburger. The creamy tangy burger “dressing” is what makes a big mac, so make sure you don’t leave it out!

Big Mac Keto Salad Ingredients:

Ground beef – Ground beef has the most flavor and fat. If you prefer you can substitute with ground turkey.
Ketchup- This adds lots of flavor to your salad. Just make sure to choose ketchup that is sugar-free.
Mustard- You might be surprised to know there is mustard in that big mac dressing. It adds another flavor you can’t leave out.
Worcestershire, Braggs aminos- I love the ‘umami’ flavor. Both of these ingredients add to ground beef.
Veggies- What’s a salad without fresh veggies?! I use romaine lettuce, red onion, and tomatoes.
Shredded cheddar – If you love cheese on your cheeseburgers, don’t skip out on the cheddar!
Dill pickles- A classic addition, they add a delicious tang and flavor that scream big mac!
Besti monkfruit allulose blend powdered: This is a sugar-free sweetener I use for the big mac sauce.

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Keto Chocolate Pie with a Pecan Crust (Decadent & Fudgy)

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This homemade Keto Chocolate Pie recipe is everything you want from a low carb chocolate dessert! A crunchy pecan pie crust is filled with a creamy chocolate mousse and topped with freshly whipped cream. The result is pure, sugar-free decadence.

How to make chocolate silk pie keto-friendly

Chocolate cream pies are one of those desserts that everyone loves. Even if you don’t have a huge sweet tooth, you’ll be licking your fingers after eating this silky keto chocolate pie. The filling resembles a chocolate mousse that is fluffy and super creamy. There are three separate tasks that are required to make this keto pie, but the extra effort is totally worth it. I especially love that this recipe is no-bake! (other than the crust) So I love to assemble it and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to allow it to “set.”

Keto Chocolate Pie Ingredients:

Pecans, butter, and Besti Monkfruit Allulose Blend Crystalized sweetener: This makes a deliciously crunchy keto crust. The pecans add those healthy omegas. Check out other keto nut crust options below.
Heavy whipping cream, cocoa powder, cream cheese: This makes your luscious mousse filling for your chocolate pie.
Besti Monk fruit Allulose Blend Powdered Sweetener: This sweetener is used in the homemade keto whipped cream, AND in the sugar-free chocolate pie filling. Check out other sugar-free sweeteners you can use below.
Sugar-free Lily’s Chocolate Chips: This is melted and added to your cream cheese mixture for an added chocolate boost! Lily’s chocolate chips, sweetened with stevia, are fantastic for the keto diet.

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Keto Baked Chicken Thighs (w/ BBQ Sauce)

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These Keto Baked Chicken Thighs are a simple, healthy, and delicious keto dinner idea. Seasoned well and smothered in a delicious keto BBQ sauce, you’re family will be licking their fingers! Serve alongside my keto coleslaw recipe!

Who doesn’t love smothered chicken? These keto BBQ chicken thighs are perfect this time of year, whether eating inside or outside! I love to pair these thighs with my Low Carb Roasted Cauliflower or my Southern Green Beans for a super low carb, filling dinner. Using bone-in chicken thighs ensures you will have moist and juicy chicken every time. I love a good BBQ sauce, so I decided to smother my chicken with my homemade keto BBQ sauce, which adds a ton of flavor and moisture to the dish!

Ingredients:

Bone-in chicken thighs– You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, however bone-in yields a juicier chicken.
Seasoning– The seasoning includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasonings, so your chicken is anything but lacking flavor.
Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce– The BBQ sauce is what makes these chicken thighs so delectable. You can make my homemade keto version or use your favorite low carb store-bought brand if you prefer.

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How To Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken

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This method for making crockpot shredded chicken is fast, easy, and flavorful! Whether you are using boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or frozen chicken, you will love how tender and juicy it will be. This chicken is perfect to make ahead of time to meal prep for later, or for a recipe you need right away.

How to make slow cooker shredded chicken

Many recipes list pulled chicken as an ingredient. However, they don’t always tell you exactly HOW to make it. These step-by-step photos will show you my favorite way to prepare it. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can use any cut you prefer! Using crockpot shredded chicken in recipes can greatly reduce time spent in the kitchen.

Step 1: Add salt and pepper to the chicken, place it in the slow-cooker, and add just enough chicken broth or stock to cover the chicken breasts. If you do not have chicken broth on hand, you can also use veggie or bone broth: cover and cook. Cooking time will vary depending on what setting you use for your slow cooker.

Step Two: Remove the chicken from your pot, and make sure that it is done. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the chicken is slightly underdone at 160 degrees, you can still remove it from the pot and let it continue to cook while resting on a cutting board. Just make sure it reaches 165 degrees before shredding.

Step 3: On a cutting board, shred the chicken using two forks. To do this, firmly press the chicken down with one of the forks and with the other, pull in the opposite direction. It will be the easiest when the chicken is hot, but allowing your chicken to rest for a few minutes will help maintain its moisture. Continue until all the chicken is shredded.

Are there other ways to cook shredded chicken?

Poach it in water – In a saucepan, bring the chicken to a boil then gently simmer it until it is cooked all the way through.
Bake in the oven – Place chicken on a baking pan and bake at 400 degrees for 22-26 minutes until cooked through.
Saute on the stove – In a skillet, add olive oil and saute chicken breasts on each side for 4-7 minutes until done.

In my opinion, using the slow cooker to make shredded chicken is the best way since its simple and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful!

The BEST methods for shredding your chicken

A stand mixer – Remove any bones if needed, and place the cooked chicken in a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment. Turn on low and mix until it reaches the desired texture. Be careful not to over shred! If you prefer super juicy chicken, add a little of your broth to the bowl when shredding it.
A hand mixer – Remove any bones if needed and set the chicken in a large bowl. Press the beaters into the chicken breasts and turn on low mix thoroughly until fully shredded.
By hand – You can go the old fashioned way and pull the chicken by hand. This way, you can easily control how large you want your chunks of chicken to be while carefully removing any bones or tendons. Just make sure to let the chicken cool enough so that it does not burn your hands while shredding.

Is shredded chicken in the slow cooker healthy?

Yes! Shredded chicken is a fabulous protein to add to various dishes, especially keto-friendly casseroles. One serving size of pulled chicken is approximately one cup unless you are adding it to another recipe then the serving size would adjust. It also has ZERO carbs, making it a delicious and filling ingredient to any of your favorite low carb meals.

How do I store shredded chicken?

Making shredded chicken ahead of time is a fantastic way to meal prep! You can prepare several pounds at once and store in an airtight container for 2-3 months in the freezer and thaw anytime you need chicken for a recipe. I would suggest dividing into 1 pound storage containers or plastic bags to freeze to make it easier to thaw for casseroles. Or you can refrigerate it for 3-4 days.

How to thaw frozen chicken

There are a couple of different ways to thaw shredded chicken! Here are some of the easiest:

Place the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight, and it will be ready to go by the morning.
Submerge the airtight container or bag in cold water for 2-3 hours. You can also use warm water to make it faster.
Microwave the chicken for a couple of minutes on the defrost setting or at half power. The chicken does not have to come to room temperature; you just don’t want large chunks frozen solid.

What to make with shredded chicken

Whether you’re making a chicken sandwich on a chaffle, using leftovers, or you’re looking for a quick and easy low carb recipe for dinner, crock-pot shredded chicken is the way to go! It is so versatile, giving you endless options!

Best Low Carb Mexican Shredded Chicken

BBQ Keto Chicken Casserole Recipe

Low Carb Chicken Casserole

Shredded Chicken Tacos (Eat on a low carb tortilla or lettuce to make it keto-friendly)

3 Ingredient Buffalo Chicken

Don’t miss out!

If you aren’t already following my easy keto/low carb recipe page on Facebook, where I post all my new recipes, I’d love for you to join us! Also, make sure to follow me on Pinterest.

If you are just getting started following a keto diet and would like more information, there are tons of fantastic resources. Amazon has several great books you may want to check out here.

How To Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken:

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Crockpot Shredded Chicken

This method for making shredding chicken in the crockpot is so fast, easy, and flavorful! Whether you are using boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or frozen chicken, you will love how tender and juicy your chicken will be. This chicken is prefect to make ahead of time and meal prep for later, or for a recipe you need right away.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time2 hrs

Total Time2 hrs 10 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, casual

Keyword: Crock-Pot Shredded Chicken

Servings: servings

Calories: 133kcal

Author: Kasey Trenum

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

1 lb raw chicken (thighs or breasts)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

Season the chicken, then place in slow cooker.
Add chicken broth, and turn on. Cook for 2-3 hours on high and 4-5 hours on low heat.
Remove from your crockpot and shred using a mixer or two forks.
Enjoy!

Notes

The BEST methods for shredding your chicken

A stand mixer - Remove any bones if needed, and place the cooked chicken in a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment. Turn on low and mix until it reaches the desired texture. Be careful not to over shred! If you prefer super juicy chicken, add a little of your broth to the bowl when shredding it.
A hand mixer - Remove any bones if needed and set the chicken in a large bowl. Press the beaters into the chicken breasts and turn on low mix thoroughly until fully shredded.
By hand - You can go the old fashioned way and pull the chicken by hand. This way, you can easily control how large you want your chunks of chicken to be while carefully removing any bones or tendons. Just make sure to let the chicken cool enough so that it does not burn your hands while shredding.

Nutrition

Cheesy Bell Pepper Keto Nachos (Low Carb)

Shared by Aleka 5 Comments

These Cheesy Bell Pepper Keto Nachos are a delicious low carb snack or meal that you’ll completely devour! This recipe uses colorful bell peppers in place of the tortilla chips, making them the ultimate keto nacho recipe that takes no time to prepare!

How to make keto nachos without chips

Making cheesy nachos delicious but also keto-friendly isn’t tough to do. You just need to have the right nacho “base.” And in this case, because layers of tortilla chips would add layers of carbs to our nachos, I nixed the chips and went for sliced bell peppers instead. The colors are so beautiful, and they serve as a fun and flavorful vessel. I baked the peppers a bit, but they will still maintain a crunch after being baked that will mimic those nacho chips.

This low carb nacho recipe is the best way to get in all those delicious nacho flavors without feeling guilty. I used ground beef in this recipe, but you can use any meat you desire. And if you need to have some sort of a crunchy chip, you still can. Keep reading.continue reading…

Keto Shepherd’s Pie (with Mashed Cauliflower)

Keto/Low Carb Pasta Alternatives

Check out this keto low carb pasta alternative shopping list on Amazon.

Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts (No Breading)

How to make marinated chicken breasts in your air fryer (without breading)

Keto Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables

How to make Keto Chicken Stir Fry (with Vegetables)

Keto Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients:

Creamy Keto Chicken Marsala

How to make chicken marsala keto-friendly

Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe (with Creamy Dressing)

How to make a keto big mac salad

Big Mac Keto Salad Ingredients:

Keto Chocolate Pie with a Pecan Crust (Decadent & Fudgy)

How to make chocolate silk pie keto-friendly

Keto Chocolate Pie Ingredients:

Keto Baked Chicken Thighs (w/ BBQ Sauce)

Ingredients:

How To Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken

How to make slow cooker shredded chicken

Are there other ways to cook shredded chicken?

The BEST methods for shredding your chicken

Is shredded chicken in the slow cooker healthy?

How do I store shredded chicken?

How to thaw frozen chicken

What to make with shredded chicken

Don’t miss out!

How To Make Crockpot Shredded Chicken:

Crockpot Shredded Chicken

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Cheesy Bell Pepper Keto Nachos (Low Carb)

How to make keto nachos without chips

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