10+ High Protein Crockpot Recipes for Easy Meal Prep

High protein crockpot recipes make it easy to create delicious, nutritious meals with minimal effort. You can enjoy hearty dishes that are packed with protein and flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.

These recipes let you prepare meals in advance. You can come home to a warm, satisfying dinner ready to serve.

Using a slow cooker helps you add healthy ingredients without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few steps, you can make protein-rich soups, stews, and casseroles.

Cooking in a crockpot brings out flavors and keeps dishes tender and juicy.

1) Slow Cooker Burrito Bowls

Slow cooker burrito bowls pack in protein and flavor with minimal effort. You can enjoy a meal that combines chicken, beans, rice, and veggies all in one pot.

Start by adding seasoned chicken breasts to your slow cooker. Top them with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices.

Cook on low for about 6-8 hours (around 75-90 degrees Celsius). Once everything is cooked, shred the chicken right in the pot.

Serve the mixture over rice or lettuce. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or salsa.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup rice
• Spices (chili powder, cumin, salt)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Shred the chicken before serving.
5. Serve over rice or lettuce. Add toppings as desired.

2) Crockpot Fiesta Chicken

Crockpot Fiesta Chicken is a simple recipe packed with flavor. You can make this meal with just a few ingredients, making it great for busy evenings.

It combines chicken with beans, corn, and spices. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it cook.

You can serve this tasty dish with rice, tortillas, or in tacos.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 packet spicy ranch dressing mix

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and ranch dressing mix.
3. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
5. Shred the chicken before serving.

3) Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a healthy option for dinner. It’s packed with protein and is simple to make.

You only need a few ingredients, making it great for meal prep. Toss the chicken in the slow cooker, pour over the sauce, and let it cook.

You can serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables. Enjoy the sweet and tangy taste!

Ingredients

• 2-3 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup orange marmalade

Cooking Instructions

1. Place cubed chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken.
3. Add the orange marmalade on top.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours (about 93-107 degrees Celsius) or high for 2-3 hours (about 104-121 degrees Celsius).
5. Stir before serving.

4) High Protein Taco Soup

High Protein Taco Soup is a hearty meal you can make in your crockpot. This soup is packed with lean protein and lots of flavor.

Use ground beef, turkey, or chicken as your protein base. Mix in tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, and corn for added taste.

Serve the soup with toppings like cheese, cilantro, or avocado.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 can (15 oz or 425g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz or 425g) black beans, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz or 425g) pinto beans, rinsed
• 1 cup (240 ml) corn
• Taco seasoning to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, brown the meat over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the meat to the crockpot.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, and corn.
4. Add taco seasoning. Mix well.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

5) Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Slow cooker salsa chicken is a simple and tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something healthy.

Toss chicken breasts in the crockpot and add your favorite salsa. You can enjoy this dish in tacos, on nachos, or in a salad.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)
• 2 cups salsa
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh lime wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the salsa over the chicken.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (around 75°C).
5. Shred the chicken with two forks before serving.

6) Pulled Beef Chili

Pulled beef chili is a hearty dish that’s perfect for a slow cooker. You can enjoy it on its own or with your favorite toppings.

Start with tender beef that cooks down into the chili. Combine it with beans, tomatoes, and spices for a rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 g) beef chuck roast
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz or 796 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the beef in the slow cooker.
2. Add the beans, tomatoes, onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours (approximately 93°C).
5. Shred the beef with two forks before serving.

7) High Protein Mac and Cheese

High protein mac and cheese makes a comforting and nutritious meal. You can easily prepare it in a crockpot for a hassle-free dinner.

This recipe combines pasta, cheese, and protein-rich ingredients. Add lean meats or protein powder to boost the protein content.

You can add veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• 1 cup cooked chicken or turkey (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In your crockpot, combine the macaroni, cheese, meat, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Pour in the milk and season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir well, then cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the pasta is tender.

8) Crockpot Chicken Thighs

Crockpot chicken thighs make a tender and juicy meal. This recipe is easy and packed with flavor.

Season your chicken thighs with your favorite spices. Add onions, garlic, and any veggies you like.

Pour in some chicken broth to keep everything moist. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours (approximately 165°F or 74°C).

If you’re short on time, set it to high for 3-4 hours. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Your favorite spices (salt, pepper, paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with spices.
2. Place in the crockpot with onions and garlic.
3. Pour in chicken broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

9) Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Slow cooker turkey chili is a healthy option for your meal plan. This recipe uses lean ground turkey, making it lower in fat while still being full of flavor.

Add kidney beans and corn for extra protein and fiber. This dish is perfect for game day or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In your slow cooker, combine ground turkey, beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to mix all ingredients well.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 90-100°C) or on high for 3-4 hours (about 120-130°C).

10) Slow Cooker Lentil and Sausage Stew

This Slow Cooker Lentil and Sausage Stew is a warm and filling dish. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you.

You can use mild Italian sausage for great flavor. Lentils add protein and heartiness.

Add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition. This stew is easy to prepare.

Just add everything to your slow cooker. Let it cook while you go about your day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 4-5 links) Italian sausage
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and garlic.

3. Stir in the carrots and celery.

4. Cook until the vegetables soften.

5. Transfer the sausage mixture to the slow cooker.

6. Add lentils and chicken broth.

7. Sprinkle in thyme, salt, and pepper.

8. Cook on low for 7-8 hours at about 70-80 degrees Celsius.

9. You can also cook on high for 3-4 hours at 90-100 degrees Celsius.