30 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes for a High-Protein Dinner | Livestrong.com (2024)

Slow cooker chicken recipes are perfect for busy weeknight dinners because they're convenient but high in nutrients.

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The beauty of slow cooker meals is that, in most cases, they're made with minimal ingredients and you can set-and-forget them. And when you can guarantee a slow cooker meal will be chock-full of protein, you've got a winner, winner chicken dinner.

That's why we rounded up 30 slow cooker chicken recipes that guarantee satisfaction and satiety thanks to their high protein content. Our list includes one-pot wonders that can be served alone as well as main dish entrees that can be served with sides.

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Pack leftovers of this dinner for school lunches the next day.

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"This recipe uses mayonnaise to bring creaminess, but it is high in saturated fats which can increase bad cholesterol and pose a risk for heart health," Miranda Galati, RD, says. To lighten it up and add more protein, swap half of the mayo for low-fat Greek yogurt.

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Serve this recipe with brown rice and a green vegetable for a well-balanced meal.

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Soy sauce is high in sodium which can lead to bloating and water retention and may even raise blood pressure, Galati says. Consider swapping traditional soy sauce with the low-sodium variety or coconut aminos.

"The tomatoes in this recipe have the antioxidant lycopene, which supports heart health," Galati says. "And green peppers are rich in vitamin C."

This dish may be lacking in fiber, Galati says. To add, serve this chicken with a 1/2 cup of black beans which has 7.6 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber.

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Serve this creamy chili with a serving of vegetables or a side salad.

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"Chicken chili is a great alternative to traditional beef chili because it offers the same protein with a little less saturated fats," Galati says. To reduce sodium content, use low-sodium chicken broth.

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This recipe is ideal on nights when time is limited.

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Since pre-made BBQ sauces can be high in sugar, look for a low-sugar option from the store. "You could also make you own from scratch," Galati suggests.

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This soup recipe includes protein, fruits and vegetables.

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"Carrots, bell pepper, onion, ginger and garlic all provide unique health benefits," Galati says. "These colorful vegetables offer fiber, vitamins and health-promoting phytochemicals."

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To keep sugar levels moderate, consider a low-sugar BBQ sauce for this recipe.

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While bacon is delicious and can be enjoyed in moderation, i's also high in sodium, Galati warns. "Try using half the amount of bacon the recipe calls for and for a slightly lower fat option, you could use center cut bacon."

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Since this recipe uses whole, bone-in chicken, this soup is rich in micronutrients and may have collagen.

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This classic soup recipe is low in carbohydrates. "Starchy carbs are important to feel energized and satisfied all day long," Galati says. "I'd recommend adding a source of fiber-rich carbs like brown rice or potatoes."

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This dinner has a great balance of protein and fiber to keep you fuller for longer.

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Using canned beans is an inexpensive way to add protein and fiber to any meal, Galati says. "Some people may notice that canned beans cause uncomfortable gas because they have oligosaccharides that can upset sensitive bellies. To prevent gas, make sure to drain and rinse the beans well before using."

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This dish offers 39 grams of protein per plate.

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"One way to make this main dish more balanced is to add a side of vegetables," Hannah Cooper, RD, says. "If you're looking to lower the cards in this dish, try swapping the white rice for cauliflower rice."

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Skip takeout for this delicious Mexican-inspired dish.

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"This dish has at least two servings of vegetables, but if you wanted to add more, I would recommend throwing in some zucchini," Cooper says. "It's high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and would complement the flavor profile of this dish."

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Thanks to the beans and corn in this recipe, it's high in protein and fiber.

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If you're watching your sodium, consider using low-sodium or no-salt-added black beans in this recipe, Cooper suggests. And swapping the cheese for avocado keeps the creaminess of the bowl, but adds healthy fat.

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This slow cooker chicken dish is great for low-carb diets.

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This chicken entree is full of protein and even has 3 grams of fiber, Cooper says. To make it a well-balanced meal, consider serving with a complex carb like brown rice or quinoa.

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Pair these pitas with a Greek salad or bowl of vegetables.

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"Whole wheat pita pockets are great for this recipe because they have more nutrients and fiber," Cooper suggests. If you're looking to enjoy this without added carbs, consider using a lettuce wrap.

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This one-dish meal can be saved as a meal-prep item for the rest of the week.

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Including brown rice and black beans adds complex carbs and fiber to this meal, Cooper says. This is also a great dish to load up on veggies. Customize with your favorite vegetables or use whatever you have in your refrigerator.

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This pot pie-inspired recipe is both gluten and dairy-free.

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Coconut milk is the secret to this creamy pot pie recipe without adding dairy. If you want to lower the fat, consider using light coconut milk instead.

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Consider a low-sugar BBQ sauce for this recipe.

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Quesadillas are easy to make and a family favorite. If you don't want to put vegetables inside your quesadilla, consider serving with a side of veggie sticks or a salad to add fiber and other nutrients, Cooper says.

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This one-pot meal is ready with very little prep work.

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"This dish is full of protein and fiber, and includes nutritious starchy vegetables," Cooper says. "It's a great balanced meal because you are getting complex carbs from the sweet potatoes and two servings of vegetables."

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One cup of cooked okra has 4 grams of fiber.

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Even though this meal is already well-balanced with carbs, vegetables and lean protein, including additional vegetables would add some bulk to this meal. Consider a green vegetable like collard greens, swiss chard or kale, Cooper suggests.

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Add a cup of garbanzo beans to add fiber in this dish.

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"Curcumin is the active compound found in turmeric, which gives it its beautiful color and anti-inflammatory properties," Sarah Jackson, RD, owner of Origin Nutrition, says. "Adding black pepper to turmeric-infused dishes increases the bioavailability of turmeric."

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For a well-balanced meal, serve this chicken with a whole grain and vegetable.

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Jackson recommends adding a cup of diced yellow onions to this recipe, which have compounds that are linked to better immune and digestive health. "Onions are prebiotic and have plant fibers that feed good bacteria in the gut to help them thrive." They also add extra flavor to the dish, too.

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Serve this chicken and lentils dish with a side salad.

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To lower the fat and sodium in this dish, Jackson recommends swapping butter for avocado oil (which is rich in healthy fat) and using low-sodium broth.

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Chicken thighs are an inexpensive source of protein.

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"Swap red potatoes for sweet potatoes to add more fiber," Jackson suggests. "The extra fiber is good for digestion and will help you feel more full."

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Adding a legume like chickpeas to this soup adds fiber and even more protein.

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Since eating too much sodium can lead to elevated blood pressure, which is linked to heart disease and stroke, swap regular chicken stock for a low-sodium variety or make your own stock at home.

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Make sure to use canned pineapple that is in 100% juice, not syrup.

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"Adding broccoli florets to this recipe will increase the fiber," Jackson says. "Studies have shown that eating more fiber-rich foods have a protective effect against certain cancers."

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You can make this chicken entree for just over $2 a serving.

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"Adding vegetables to this dish like bell peppers and carrots add vitamin C and A content," Jackson says. "These vitamins are both potent antioxidants, which are linked to a reduction in oxidative stress."

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Use light coconut milk to lower the saturated fat in this soup.

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Before cooking, leave mushrooms in sunlight with gills facing up to increase their vitamin D levels, Jackson suggests. "Vitamin D is crucial for immune health and most American's don't get enough, especially during the winter months."

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Serve this soup with a full serving of your favorite vegetable.

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Consider adding green beans to this soup to increase fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and K, Jackson says. "Folic acid is not only crucial during pregnancy, but it is also linked to lower rates of depression in adults."

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If using canned sundried tomatoes, drain and rinse away the oil to reduce fat content.

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One serving of this recipe clocks in at 32 grams of protein. To make it a well-balanced meal, consider serving with a starch like a potato or brown rice and a side of vegetables like kale, spinach or broccoli.

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