If you’re on a fitness journey, you already know how important it is to fuel your body with the right nutrients. Protein is essential for muscle recovery, strength, and overall wellness. Hitting those protein goals, however, can sometimes feel like a challenge. Enter the slow cooker: your best friend for meal prep and easy, high-protein meals that taste amazing.

High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes

Here are five delicious high-protein slow cooker recipes to keep you on track and feeling fabulous.

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Protein Per Serving: ~40g

This simple yet flavorful chicken dish is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed with salads, rice, or veggies.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the lemon slices, garlic, broth, and seasonings.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Shred or serve whole with your favorite sides.

Slow Cooker Spicy Turkey Chili

Protein Per Serving: ~35g

This hearty chili is packed with lean protein and flavor, making it a must-have in your meal rotation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet, then add it to the slow cooker.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Serve with avocado or Greek yogurt for extra protein!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Salmon

Protein Per Serving: ~42g

Salmon is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it perfect for post-workout meals.

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground ginger

Instructions:

  1. Place salmon fillets in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and ginger.
  3. Pour the mixture over the salmon.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours (salmon cooks faster than other meats).
  5. Serve with quinoa or roasted veggies.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Protein Per Serving: ~45g

If you’re craving takeout but want a healthier option, this high-protein beef and broccoli dish will hit the spot.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thin
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

  1. Add beef, garlic, broth, soy sauce, and honey to the slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
  3. Stir in cornstarch and broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  4. Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Slow Cooker Lentil and Chicken Stew

Protein Per Serving: ~38g

For a comforting and protein-packed meal, this lentil and chicken stew is a must-try.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Shred the chicken before serving.

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