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High protein slow cooker recipes ingredients and dishes

A hearty, protein-packed slow cooker chili loaded with lean chicken, black & kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and sweet corn. Infused with a blend of aromatic spices and finished with a fresh squeeze of lime, this one-pot meal delivers warmth and robust flavor—ideal for a nourishing lunch or dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course chili, main dish, Soup
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (Crockpot)
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can Opener

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken & Protein Base:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Vegetables:
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • Canned & Frozen Goods:
  • 2 15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • Liquids & Spices:
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
  • Finishing Touches:
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Layer the Base:
  • Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Add Vegetables:
  • Top the chicken with the diced onion, minced garlic, red and green bell peppers.
  • Incorporate Beans & Corn:
  • Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes to the pot.
  • Season:
  • Evenly sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) over the ingredients.
  • Add Liquids:
  • Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over everything.
  • Cook:
  • Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or on high for 3–4 hours) until the chicken is tender and flavors meld.
  • Shred the Chicken:
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir thoroughly.
  • Finish with Lime:
  • Squeeze the lime juice over the chili and mix to combine.
  • Serve:
  • Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Optional toppings include a dollop of Greek yogurt, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high)
  • Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (on low)
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish, Soup/Chili
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American / Southwestern
  • Diet: High Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (optional), Nut-Free
  • Keywords
  • High protein, slow cooker, chicken chili, one-pot meal, healthy, meal prep, easy recipe, comforting, Southwest, lean protein
  • Nutrition (per serving; approx. 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: ~320
  • Sugar: ~8 g
  • Sodium: ~650 mg
  • Fat: ~6 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~28 g
  • Fiber: ~9 g
  • Protein: ~42 g
  • Cholesterol: ~70 mg
  • Note: Nutritional values are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Notes

Browning Option: For extra depth of flavor, consider lightly browning the chicken in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
Spice Adjustments: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder or cayenne to suit your heat preference.
Veggie Variations: You can add extra vegetables such as zucchini or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
Meal Prep & Storage: This chili freezes well and is perfect for meal prepping. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Toppings: Enhance the dish with toppings like Greek yogurt, avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese if your dietary needs allow.
Keyword High protein, slow cooker, chicken chili, one-pot meal, healthy, meal prep, easy recipe, comforting, Southwest, lean protein