3 High-Protein Crockpot Meals

If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, high-protein meals that require minimal prep, slow cooker recipes are a perfect solution. Let your slow cooker do the work while you focus on your day, and come back to a delicious, protein-packed meal. Here are three hearty recipes: Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken, Mississippi Pot Roast, and Satay Chicken, all loaded with protein and bursting with flavor.

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1. Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken

This pesto chicken recipe is fresh, simple, and versatile. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or on a sandwich, it’s bound to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, divided
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pulse garlic in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add half the basil and pulse again. Add the rest of the basil and pine nuts, pulsing into a coarse paste. Add olive oil and salt, and pulse to combine.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, place in the slow cooker, and mix with 3 tablespoons of pesto. Save the remaining pesto in the refrigerator.
3. Cook on LOW for 1.5-2.5 hours. If using tomatoes, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Stir in the reserved pesto before serving. Serve with pasta, rice, or in wraps.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• Calories: 500kCal
• Protein: 46g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 52g

2. Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

This comfort food classic combines tender beef, zesty ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, making for an incredibly flavorful pot roast.

Ingredients:

• 1 (3- to 4-pound) boneless beef chuck roast
• 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch salad dressing & seasoning mix
• 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus gravy mix
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 (12-ounce) jar pepperoncini peppers
• Optional: mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, sandwich rolls, or provolone cheese

Instructions:

1. Place the beef chuck roast in a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix. Add cubes of butter on top.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of pepperoncini brine over the roast and place 10-12 peppers on top.
4. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours until tender.
5. Shred with tongs and serve over mashed potatoes or in rolls with cheese.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• Calories: 552kCal
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 43.5g
• Carbs: 4.2g

3. Slow Cooker Satay Chicken

For a rich, peanut-infused dish, this slow cooker satay chicken hits all the right notes. It’s packed with protein, and the coconut milk and curry paste give it a savory depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Satay Sauce:

• 1/3 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 1/3 cup canned coconut milk
• 1-2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce or tamari

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped roasted peanuts, lime slices, fresh cilantro, steamed rice

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker and season with salt.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, curry paste, sugar, lime juice, and tamari until smooth.
3. Pour 1/3 of the sauce over the chicken. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-4.5 hours.
4. Drain the cooking liquid and coat the chicken with half of the remaining sauce. Optional: broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes to brown.
5. Serve with rice, garnished with cilantro, peanuts, and lime slices.

Nutrition Per Serving:

• Calories: 309kCal
• Protein: 33g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbs: 6g

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Conclusion

These slow cooker recipes offer a convenient way to ensure you’re getting a protein-rich meal without the hassle. Whether you’re craving the zesty flavors of Mississippi Pot Roast, the rich creaminess of Satay Chicken, or the fresh basil goodness of Pesto Chicken, each recipe will leave you full and satisfied. Just set it and forget it, and enjoy a delicious meal at the end of the day!