Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier and healthier with this fantastic high-protein crockpot chicken recipe.
It’s the perfect solution for busy schedules, allowing you to come home to a delicious, low-calorie meal that’s ready to enjoy with minimal fuss.
This recipe focuses on simplicity and wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping throughout the week. Forget complicated steps or lengthy cooking times; this dish is all about maximizing flavor and nutrition without sacrificing your precious evening hours.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
High-Protein Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This high-protein crockpot chicken recipe is a simple, healthy, and convenient meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. It features tender chicken cooked with diced tomatoes, black beans, and a blend of spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Begin by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Chop your onion and mince your garlic.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Pour the undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed and drained black beans, and low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over everything.
4. Season Generously: Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano over the ingredients in the crockpot. Add a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper to taste.
5. Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Cook on the “high” setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on the “low” setting for 6 to 8 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with two forks.
6. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors.
7. Final Touches and Serving: Give everything a good stir and let it warm through for another 10-15 minutes on the “warm” setting if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Category: main dish
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Keywords: chicken, crockpot, slow cooker, high protein, healthy, weeknight, meal prep, easy, dinner, beans
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This crockpot chicken recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone juggling a busy schedule but still wanting to eat well. It’s perfect for families, singles, or couples who appreciate the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking. You’ll love how little hands-on time this dish requires, making it an excellent option for meal prep on a Sunday afternoon or for a stress-free weeknight dinner. The high protein content keeps you feeling full and satisfied, while the low-calorie profile supports a healthier lifestyle. Serve it as a main course with your favorite sides, or shred the chicken for versatile use in sandwiches, salads, or wraps throughout the week. It’s a dish that truly delivers on both taste and practicality, making healthy eating accessible even on your busiest days.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this crockpot chicken is straightforward, focusing on pantry staples and fresh chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring no exotic items or complicated preparations. You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
When it comes to substitutions, this recipe is quite flexible. If you prefer chicken thighs, they work wonderfully and add a bit more richness; just ensure they are boneless and skinless for a similar cooking time. For the diced tomatoes, you can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor. If black beans aren’t your favorite, kidney beans or pinto beans can be used instead. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it entirely. You can also add a can of corn (drained) for extra sweetness and texture.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
One of the greatest advantages of this high-protein crockpot chicken is its minimal active preparation time, making it truly ideal for busy individuals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (depending on cook setting)
The majority of the time is hands-off cooking in the slow cooker, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your delicious dinner simmers to perfection.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Preparing this high-protein crockpot chicken is incredibly simple, requiring just a few easy steps. The slow cooker does most of the work, ensuring tender, flavorful chicken every time.
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Begin by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them cook evenly. Chop your onion and mince your garlic.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they cook thoroughly and absorb all the flavors.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Pour the undrained diced tomatoes, rinsed and drained black beans, and low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over everything.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano over the ingredients in the crockpot. Add a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasonings; they are key to the dish’s flavor.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Cook on the “high” setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on the “low” setting for 6 to 8 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with two forks.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Final Touches and Serving: Give everything a good stir and let it warm through for another 10-15 minutes on the “warm” setting if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This high-protein crockpot chicken is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt for various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve the shredded chicken in soft tortillas with a side of mild salsa and shredded cheese, allowing them to build their own mini tacos. You can also mix the shredded chicken with a little cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture that often appeals to younger palates.
To vary the flavor profile, consider adding a can of drained corn or a diced bell pepper along with the other ingredients at the start of cooking. For a bit of heat, a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less spice) can be added, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you’re looking for a smoky flavor, a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika works wonders.
This dish is fantastic for meal prepping. Once cooked, the shredded chicken can be portioned out for lunches throughout the week. Serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or a bed of mixed greens for a complete and healthy meal. It also makes a great filling for lettuce wraps, burritos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. For a party or buffet, keep the shredded chicken warm in the slow cooker and offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped avocado, salsa, and tortilla chips, allowing guests to customize their bowls.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a simple crockpot recipe, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Being aware of these can help ensure your high-protein chicken dinner turns out perfectly every time.
One frequent slip-up is overfilling the slow cooker. While it might be tempting to double the recipe, filling your crockpot more than two-thirds full can lead to uneven cooking and longer cooking times. Stick to the recommended quantities for your slow cooker size.
Another common issue is lifting the lid too often during cooking. Every time you peek, you release a significant amount of heat and moisture, which extends the cooking time and can affect the tenderness of the chicken. Resist the urge to check on it until closer to the end of the cooking window.
Not seasoning adequately is another pitfall. Slow cookers can sometimes mute flavors, so don’t be afraid to be generous with your spices, especially salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings after the chicken is shredded and mixed back into the sauce.
Finally, using chicken with skin and bones can alter the texture and fat content. While delicious in other preparations, for this specific recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are recommended to keep it lean and to ensure the desired shreddable texture without having to deal with bones.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This high-protein crockpot chicken is an excellent candidate for meal prepping and storing, making your weeknights even easier. Once the chicken has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion the shredded chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can use the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. For larger batches, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. The texture of the chicken remains tender and moist even after reheating, making it a fantastic make-ahead option that doesn’t compromise on quality or flavor.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on either the high or low setting to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
