Life can get hectic, and finding time to whip up a healthy, satisfying dinner often feels like a monumental task.
That’s where this incredible high-protein crockpot chicken recipe comes in. It’s designed for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, making meal prep a breeze and ensuring you have a wholesome, low-calorie dinner ready to go. Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the evening.
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
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 designed for busy weeknights, offering a healthy, satisfying, and low-calorie meal with minimal hands-on time. It’s perfect for meal prepping and can be easily adapted for families or individuals.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken.
2. Add the Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes, the rinsed and drained black beans, and the low-sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning mix over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Stir Gently to Combine: Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the seasoning is distributed and the ingredients are well mixed. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the “low” setting for 6-8 hours, or on the “high” setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
5. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the sauce.
6. Add Corn and Finish: Stir in the frozen corn kernels and allow them to heat through for about 10-15 minutes in the warm sauce. This adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the high-protein chicken mixture into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and a dollop of low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Serve with whole wheat tortillas or brown rice for a complete meal.
- 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, low calorie, meal prep, easy, weeknight, taco, healthy
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone juggling a busy schedule but still committed to eating well. It’s perfect for families looking for a nutritious meal that pleases everyone, or for individuals focused on healthy eating and meal prepping for the week ahead. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together, requiring minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when you’re short on energy. The high protein content will keep you feeling full and satisfied, while the low-calorie nature supports a healthy lifestyle. Serve it as a standalone meal, or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and balanced plate. It’s a versatile dish that fits seamlessly into almost any dinner plan.
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 slow cooking is that it tenderizes the chicken beautifully while infusing it with flavor, making every bite delicious. You won’t need any exotic items, just simple, wholesome components that come together to create a fantastic meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
- Whole wheat tortillas or brown rice, for serving (optional)
For simple substitutions, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a slightly richer flavor and even more tender texture. If you don’t have diced tomatoes, a can of crushed tomatoes or even a jar of your favorite salsa can work in a pinch, adding a different but equally delicious flavor profile. You can also swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans if that’s what you have on hand. For the taco seasoning, while a packet is convenient, you can also create your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a homemade touch.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
One of the biggest advantages of this high-protein crockpot chicken is its minimal active preparation time, making it truly ideal for busy schedules.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (depending on cook setting)
The bulk of the work is done by your slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it until dinner time. This hands-off cooking method is perfect for those days when you need to get dinner started early in the morning or before heading out for the day.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Preparing this delicious crockpot chicken is incredibly simple. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal every time.
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Add the Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes, the rinsed and drained black beans, and the low-sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning mix over all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Stir Gently to Combine: Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the seasoning is distributed and the ingredients are well mixed. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the “low” setting for 6-8 hours, or on the “high” setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the sauce.
- Add Corn and Finish: Stir in the frozen corn kernels and allow them to heat through for about 10-15 minutes in the warm sauce. This adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the high-protein chicken mixture into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and a dollop of low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Serve with whole wheat tortillas or brown rice for a complete meal.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This crockpot chicken is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve the shredded chicken in small whole wheat tortillas with a side of mild salsa and shredded cheese, allowing them to build their own “tacos.” You could also mix the chicken with some cooked pasta for a heartier, comforting meal.
To make it suitable for a party or buffet, consider setting up a “build-your-own bowl” bar. Offer the shredded chicken as the main component, alongside toppings like shredded lettuce, diced avocado, extra salsa, pickled jalapeños, and crumbled cotija cheese. This allows guests to customize their meal to their liking.
For optional toppings and dips, consider a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without added dairy, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. A homemade avocado crema (blended avocado, lime juice, and a touch of water) would also be a fantastic addition, offering a creamy, healthy fat component. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten all the flavors.
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 turns out perfectly every time.
One frequent slip-up is overcrowding the slow cooker. While it might be tempting to double the recipe in a standard-sized slow cooker, too much food can prevent even cooking and extend the cooking time significantly. If you need to make a larger batch, consider using a bigger slow cooker or dividing the recipe into two separate cookers.
Another common issue is lifting the lid too frequently. Every time you open the slow cooker, a significant amount of heat escapes, adding about 20-30 minutes to the overall cooking time. Resist the urge to peek and trust the process. Only open the lid when it’s time to shred the chicken or add the corn.
Not rinsing the black beans is another small but important detail. Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and starch, which can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. A quick rinse under cold water makes a big difference.
Finally, using chicken with skin and bones can change the texture and fat content of this specific recipe. While delicious in other preparations, for this high-protein, low-calorie dish, boneless, skinless chicken is preferred for its lean profile and ease of shredding. Sticking to the recommended boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs will give you the best results for this recipe.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This high-protein crockpot chicken is fantastic for meal prepping and makes excellent leftovers. Proper storage is key to maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
To store leftovers, allow the chicken mixture to cool completely to room temperature (this usually takes about 30-60 minutes, but never leave it out for more than two hours). Once cooled, transfer the chicken to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for packing healthy lunches or having quick dinners ready throughout the week.
For longer storage, this recipe freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled, transfer the chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating, if frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. For individual portions, reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating a larger batch, transfer it to a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed. You might need to add a splash
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.
