Crockpot Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Mash

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs cooked with warm spices and served alongside creamy cauliflower mash for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 510 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until cooked through and tender.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, steam 1 head of chopped cauliflower florets until very tender, about 12 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the steamed cauliflower to a blender or food processor with 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1/4 cup heavy cream; blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives to the cauliflower mash and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Serve the spiced chicken thighs hot over a bed of cauliflower mash.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crockpot Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Mash take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crockpot Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Mash?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crockpot Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Mash?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crockpot Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Mash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crockpot Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cauliflower Mash low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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