10 High Protein Slow Cooker Dinners (Meal Prep Ready)

Why make this recipe

High-protein meals are perfect for anyone looking to build muscle, support weight loss, or maintain a healthy diet. Slow cooker dinners save time and effort while delivering delicious and nutritious meals. These recipes are ideal for meal prep, making it easier to stay on track with your health goals!

How to make Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime juice

Directions:

1. Place the diced chicken breast in the slow cooker.
2. Add the quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir the mixture again.
6. Serve hot with optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

How to serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa

Serve this hearty dish in bowls. You can add toppings like avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of lime juice to enhance the flavor. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.

How to store Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the dish for longer storage; it will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to make Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa

• Use any type of chicken, such as thighs for more flavor.
• You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the spices to suit your taste; add more chili powder for heat.

Variation

Try substituting quinoa with brown rice or farro for a different texture. You can also switch the black beans with kidney beans or add different proteins like turkey or tofu.

FAQs

1. Can I cook this recipe on high if I don’t have enough time?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours.

2. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s recommended to cook on high for at least 4-5 hours to ensure it’s fully cooked.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free. Just make sure to double-check the labels on canned items.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa

A healthy, high-protein meal that's easy to make in a slow cooker. This hearty dish combines chicken, quinoa, and beans, perfect for meal prep and packed with flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• avocado
• cilantro
• lime juice

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the diced chicken breast in the slow cooker.
2. Add the quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Cooking

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir the mixture again.

Serving

1. Serve hot in bowls, adding optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Use thighs for more flavor or add extra vegetables to boost nutrition.