12+ High-Protein Slow Cooker Meals for Easy & Nutritious Dinners

Slow cooker meals are a game-changer for meal prep—they’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for busy schedules. With a set-it-and-forget-it approach, you can enjoy high-protein, satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

These 12+ slow cooker meals focus on lean proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, and plant-based options while offering delicious flavors and balanced nutrition.

Let’s start with the first five high-protein slow cooker meals!

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1. Slow Cooker Garlic Lemon Chicken (45g Protein Per Serving)

A zesty, protein-rich slow cooker meal with juicy, fall-apart chicken and vibrant flavors!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add garlic, lemon slices, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
3. Pour in chicken broth and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir gently.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with steamed vegetables or quinoa.

Why It’s High-Protein: Chicken breasts provide over 40g of lean protein per serving, making this a perfect muscle-building meal.

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2. Slow Cooker Beef & Black Bean Chili (50g Protein Per Serving)

A hearty, high-protein slow cooker chili packed with lean beef and fiber-rich black beans!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a pan, lightly brown ground beef over medium heat, then transfer to slow cooker.
2. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Stir and serve with Greek yogurt or shredded cheese as a topping.

Why It’s High-Protein: Lean beef provides 40g of protein, while black beans add 10g, making this meal incredibly filling and muscle-building.

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3. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs (42g Protein Per Serving)

A sweet and savory high-protein dish with tender, juicy turkey meatballs!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, almond flour, egg, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Form into small meatballs.
2. Lightly brown meatballs in a pan for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame oil, then pour over meatballs.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
5. (Optional) If sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, stir in, and let cook for another 10 minutes.
6. Serve with steamed rice or cauliflower rice.

Why It’s High-Protein: Turkey is one of the leanest protein sources, providing 40g of protein per serving, while almond flour adds another 2g.

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4. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken (47g Protein Per Serving)

A smoky, protein-rich slow cooker meal perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or bowls!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken using two forks and mix well with the sauce.
6. Serve on whole wheat buns, over rice, or with roasted vegetables.

Why It’s High-Protein: Chicken breasts provide over 45g of protein, making this meal great for post-workout recovery.

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5. Slow Cooker Lentil & Vegetable Stew (38g Protein Per Serving)

A vegetarian high-protein slow cooker meal packed with fiber and plant-based protein!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh spinach

Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils under cold water and add them to the slow cooker.
2. Add diced tomatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in fresh spinach and let cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot with a side of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Why It’s High-Protein: Lentils provide 18g of protein per cup, and the combination of vegetables and broth adds additional nutrients to this plant-based powerhouse meal.

6. Slow Cooker Beef & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers (50g Protein Per Serving)

A flavorful, protein-packed meal with lean beef, fiber-rich quinoa, and bell peppers!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• ½ cup quinoa, uncooked
• 4 large bell peppers, halved and de-seeded
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup low-fat mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa and mix with ground beef, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Stuff the bell peppers with the beef-quinoa mixture and place them in the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. (Optional) Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve hot with a side of steamed greens.

Why It’s High-Protein: Lean beef provides 40g of protein, while quinoa adds 10g, making this a muscle-building powerhouse meal.

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7. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken (45g Protein Per Serving)

A sweet and savory high-protein dish with tender chicken in a sticky honey garlic sauce!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. If sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with ¼ cup water and stir into the sauce. Cook for another 10 minutes until thickened.
5. Shred chicken and serve over brown rice or quinoa, garnished with sesame seeds.

Why It’s High-Protein: Chicken breasts provide over 45g of protein per serving, making this dish great for lean muscle-building.

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8. Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef (52g Protein Per Serving)

A flavorful, protein-packed shredded beef dish perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean beef chuck roast
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced

Instructions:

1. Place beef chuck roast in the slow cooker.
2. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic, and onion.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender.
4. Shred beef using two forks and stir into the sauce.
5. Serve with cauliflower rice, tortillas, or roasted veggies.

Why It’s High-Protein: Beef chuck roast provides 52g of protein per serving, making it a great meal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

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9. Slow Cooker High-Protein White Chicken Chili (48g Protein Per Serving)

A creamy, protein-packed white chicken chili with lean chicken and white beans!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small jalapeño, diced (optional for spice)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, white beans, broth, onion, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
3. Shred chicken with two forks and mix well.
4. Stir in Greek yogurt to make it creamy.
5. Serve with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.

Why It’s High-Protein: Chicken provides 45g of protein, while white beans add 3g, making this chili incredibly nutritious and filling.

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10. Slow Cooker Spicy Turkey & Sweet Potato Stew (44g Protein Per Serving)

A high-protein, high-fiber stew with lean turkey and nutrient-dense sweet potatoes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and lightly brown ground turkey, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Stir well and serve with brown rice or quinoa.

Why It’s High-Protein: Lean turkey provides 42g of protein, while sweet potatoes and broth add extra nutrients.

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11. Slow Cooker Italian Chicken & White Bean Soup (47g Protein Per Serving)

A warm, protein-packed soup with tender chicken and fiber-rich white beans!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh spinach

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, white beans, diced tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and stir in fresh spinach, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional).

Why It’s High-Protein: Chicken provides 45g of protein, while white beans add 2g, making this a nutrient-dense meal.

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12. Slow Cooker Protein-Packed Lentil & Turkey Stew (50g Protein Per Serving)

A rich, slow-cooked stew with lean turkey and high-protein lentils!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chopped carrots

Instructions:

1. Lightly brown ground turkey in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and carrots.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Stir well and serve hot.

Why It’s High-Protein: Turkey provides 40g of protein, and lentils add 10g, making this a protein-packed meal with fiber and essential nutrients.

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13. Slow Cooker High-Protein Chicken Fajitas (46g Protein Per Serving)

A flavorful, protein-rich fajita dish made in the slow cooker for tender, juicy chicken!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onions in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and mix well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken and serve in lettuce wraps, whole wheat tortillas, or over quinoa.

Why It’s High-Protein: Chicken provides 45g of protein per serving, making this a perfect post-workout meal.

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14. Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Salmon (50g Protein Per Serving)

A melt-in-your-mouth, protein-rich salmon dish with garlic butter sauce!

Ingredients:

• 2 large salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Place salmon fillets in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix garlic, melted butter, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour the mixture over the salmon.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours or until salmon flakes easily.
5. Serve with steamed vegetables or brown rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Why It’s High-Protein: Salmon is one of the best protein sources, providing 50g of protein per serving while being rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

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15. Slow Cooker Spicy Chickpea & Chicken Curry (48g Protein Per Serving)

A high-protein, flavorful curry with tender chicken and fiber-rich chickpeas!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk (light)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, onion, garlic, curry powder, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and ginger in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and mix well.
4. Serve over quinoa or brown rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Why It’s High-Protein: Chicken provides 45g of protein, while chickpeas add 3g, making this dish rich in protein and fiber.

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