21 High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love | Easy & Healthy Crockpot Meals
These high protein slow cooker recipes are just what you’re looking for, recipes that are packed with protein and cook themselves, so to speak. Not only that, but these recipes are perfect for building muscle, losing weight, and keeping you full for longer. If you want to experience the magic of set-it-and-forget-it, try these crockpot recipes that are ideal for keeping you healthy and stress-free. So, without further ado, try these high protein crockpot recipes that are great for meal prep and family dinners on the busiest days.
Instant Pot vs Crockpot
Which One Is Better for High Protein Cooking?
| Feature | Instant Pot | Crockpot |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast (under 1 hour) | Slow (4–10 hours) |
| Cooking Methods | Pressure, slow, sauté, steam, etc. | Slow cook only |
| Ease of Use | Slight learning curve | Beginner-friendly |
| Flavor Depth | Good, but lighter flavors | Deep, rich flavors |
| Best For | Quick meals, multi-use | Meal prep, soups, stews |
| Protein Handling | Tenderizes meat quickly | Fall-apart meat texture |
| Energy Usage | Short bursts of energy | Low energy over long time |
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for fast, protein-rich meals and versatility, go with an Instant Pot. If you love deep flavors and easy meal prep, the Crockpot is your friend. Can’t choose? Many Instant Pots now include a slow cook function – the best of both worlds!
Crockpot Chicken Quinoa Stew Recipe
Stews can be made in many ways, but if you make this chicken and quinoa stew in the crockpot, you will get high protein and taste great. You don't have to worry about making it because the crockpot will do most of the work itself. Made with onions, carrots, and celery, this slow cooker chicken and quinoa stew is a great high-protein meal choice.
You can add drained black beans (more protein and fiber!), corn kernels, a teaspoon of cumin and chili powder to this one-pot meal if you like a Mexican twist. You can top this stew with sliced avocado, a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and serve it with warm cornbread.
Crock Pot Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Here, juicy and flavorful meatballs are cooked straight in garlicky marinara, a taste you'll never forget. Made with a blend of beef and pork, these meatballs are a protein powerhouse that will fuel you on your busiest day and fit perfectly into a high-protein diet. So, without further ado, make these Italian-style meatballs.
You can stuff the meatballs with cubes of mozzarella if you want. Also, if you want to stay keto, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. This recipe pairs beautifully with zoodles or spaghetti squash. You can also serve it with pasta for a protein-rich dinner.
Simple 3-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken
As I said at the beginning, you don't have to be too fussy to make these recipes. This amazing salsa chicken made with just 3 ingredients is one of them. With just 3 ingredients like boneless chicken breast, brown rice, and taco seasoning, you can easily make this recipe and get a high amount of protein from it that can balance your protein intake as well as your overall health. Although it will take you 6-8 hours to make this recipe, you will get an incredibly tender dish as a result.
You can add fire-roasted tomato salsa, a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and include a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for deep, smoky heat. This chicken salsa pairs very nicely with tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. However, I prefer to serve it stuffed into baked sweet potatoes.
Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This high-protein chicken chili is loaded with lean chicken, white beans, and veggies. Whether it's for meal prep or on a busy weeknight, you can whip up this amazing chicken chili recipe with minimal effort using your slow cooker. Made with chicken, beans, corn, diced green chiles, onions, garlic, and a blend of savory spices (like cumin, oregano, and chili powder), this white chicken chili is sure to please you and your family with its unique flavor.
If you like a little smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or a chopped chipotle pepper. You can also add chopped zucchini or some baby spinach 30 minutes before the end of cooking. Serve this slow cooker chicken stew with baked potatoes, white or brown rice, or tortilla chips.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Veggies
I recommend this recipe as my favorite excellent high-protein meal prep option. While chicken is the main source of protein in this recipe, crisp-tender vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots also add vibrant color, nutrition, and texture.
If you want to give this recipe a little Thai twist, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes, and don't forget the chopped peanuts at the end. However, if you want to make this recipe completely vegan, you can use tofu instead of chicken, toasted in toasted sesame oil.
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
One of my favorite chicken dishes is this Garlic Chicken. This amazing recipe is made with chicken breast, lemon, garlic, and a few simple herbs. This crockpot stew recipe is high in protein and very low in fat and is perfect as a meal prep.
You can add Greek yogurt or light cream cheese to increase the creaminess of this stew. To make it low-carb, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and this recipe will be completely keto-friendly. This stew pairs beautifully with roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. However, I prefer to serve it stuffed into lettuce wraps or whole-grain pitas.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Although the traditional butter chicken recipe is completely different, you can make butter chicken in this slow cooker, and it tastes amazing. This rich and flavorful Indian recipe actually tenderizes chicken pieces in a creamy tomato-based gravy. If you use boneless and skinless chicken, you can get about 25-30 grams of total protein per serving. However, if the gravy seems a little heavy to you, you can use Greek yogurt or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
For those who prefer vegetables, you can use spinach, peas, or cauliflower in this slow cooker recipe. You can serve it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, high-protein option, or this chicken recipe tastes amazing with Whole Wheat Naan or Flatbread.
Slow Cooker Korean Beef Bowls
Many people prefer this slow cooker recipe over the regular Korean beef bowl. It makes the beef more tender and juicy, and it's also hassle-free to make. Inspired by classic Korean bulgogi, this amazing recipe is slow-cooked in a sweet soy, garlic, and ginger sauce. This melt-in-your-mouth recipe is great with rice, noodles, or veggies.
You can add 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) while making it. For a protein boost, you can add edamame and soft-boiled eggs. Serve Korean beef bowls with jasmine or brown rice, quick-pickled cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Or, a Korean-style beef wrap is a great option.
🥗 Serving Suggestions for High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes
🍚 Pair with Whole Grains
- Brown rice or wild rice blend
- Quinoa – high in plant protein
- Barley, couscous, or bulgur wheat
🥦 Add Roasted or Steamed Veggies
- Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots
- Grilled zucchini or sautéed spinach
- Steamed green beans or kale
🥖 Serve with Bread or Wraps
- Whole grain pita or tortillas
- Crusty sourdough or multigrain rolls
- Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
🥗 Turn It Into a Bowl
- Layer grains, greens, and protein
- Top with avocado, herbs, or feta
- Add tahini, salsa, or yogurt dressing
🌮 Make It a DIY Bar
- Taco bar with toppings
- Build-your-own grain bowl station
- Stuffed sweet potatoes or baked potatoes
🧊 Use Leftovers Creatively
- Stuff into bell peppers or eggplants
- Mix into scrambled eggs for breakfast hash
- Toss into wraps or salads for quick lunches
FAQ on High Protein Crockpot Meals
1. Can I use frozen meat in these slow cooker recipes?
Yes, you can use frozen meat, but for food safety reasons it is generally recommended to thaw it first. Cooking frozen meat can increase the amount of time the meat is in the “danger zone” (40°F–140°F) where bacteria can grow. For best results, thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before using it in your crockpot.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover slow cooker meals in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove, in the microwave, or in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting until warm.
3. Can I make these recipes in an Instant Pot instead?
Most slow cooker recipes can be adapted for the Instant Pot using the sauté and pressure cooking settings. You will usually reduce the cooking time significantly – check your Instant Pot manual for time conversions.
4. How much protein is in each serving?
Protein amounts vary by preparation and serving size. Most recipes contain 20-35 grams of protein per serving. You can use an app like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer to calculate your exact macros based on your ingredients.
5. Are these recipes good for weight loss?
Yes! High-protein foods are ideal for weight loss because they help keep you full longer and help maintain muscle. Many of these crockpot recipes are also low in carbs and fat, making them perfect for a balanced, calorie-conscious meal plan.
6. Can I make these recipes in advance?
Sure. These recipes are great for meal prep! You can combine the ingredients in freezer bags (also called “dump bags”) and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to cook, simply dump the ingredients into your slow cooker and turn it on.
7. Do I need to cook the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?
It’s not necessary, but cooking the meat before slow cooking can enhance the flavor, creating a caramelized crust. This step is optional, especially if you’re short on time, but it’s a great tip for extra depth.
8. Can I make these high-protein recipes dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! Many of these recipes are naturally gluten-free or can be easily modified. For dairy-free versions, use plant-based alternatives instead of yogurt or cheese. Always check the labels on sauces, broths, and seasonings to be sure.
9. What size crockpot should I use for these recipes?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for most of these recipes. It provides enough space for batch cooking or feeding a family. For smaller servings or singles/couples, a 3- to 4-quart model works just fine.
10. Can I add more vegetables or swap out ingredients?
Sure! These recipes are flexible. Feel free to expand the meal with vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers—or swap out the protein (chicken instead of turkey, lentils instead of beans) depending on what you have on hand.
If you like this article about High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes, please share this with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest. Also, subscribe to my blog to get all the latest content first on your mobile.
