Power Up Your Week: 10 High-Protein Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meal Prep

When life gets busy, meal prep can be a lifesaver. But let’s face it — bland chicken breast and steamed broccoli get old fast. That’s where your slow cooker comes in. It’s not just for soups and stews; it’s your secret weapon for creating delicious, protein-packed meals with minimal effort. These five slow cooker recipes will fuel your week, keep you satisfied, and help you crush your nutritional goals.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls

A meal prep classic, these chicken burrito bowls are loaded with tender shredded chicken, black beans, and brown rice. They're high in protein and perfect for on-the-go lunches or a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup brown rice, uncooked

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

3. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir everything together.

4. Portion into meal prep containers and add your favorite toppings before serving.

   
   

Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 370

• Protein: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fat: 6g

2. Slow Cooker Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

This hearty chili is a perfect balance of lean protein and complex carbs. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal for cozy dinners or warming up after a workout. The optional Cayenne Pepper can be a real game changer if you dont mind a little extra heat. The many benefits of Cayenne Pepper (which you can read about here) are a nice little health boost as well!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.

2. Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

4. Serve on its own or with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein.

   
   

Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, makes 6 servings):

• Calories: 290

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fat: 6g

3. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli

Skip the takeout and make this better-for-you version of teriyaki chicken at home. Serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutrient-dense meal.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

• 2 cups broccoli florets (added later)

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Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to the slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

3. Remove the chicken and shred. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and broccoli florets. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is tender.

4. Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice.

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Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 34g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fat: 7g

4. High Protein Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Stew Recipe

Packed with protein and fiber, this comforting stew is a classic that’s perfect for cold-weather meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs lean beef stew meat

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 medium celery stalks, diced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 cup diced potatoes

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sear the beef in a skillet until browned, then add to the slow cooker.

2. Add the vegetables, broth, tomato paste, and seasonings. Stir to combine.

3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

4. Serve warm with crusty bread or on its own.

   
   

Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, makes 6 servings):

• Calories: 330

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Fat: 12g

Picture This: A hearty bowl of stew filled with tender chunks of beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich broth that looks perfect for dipping bread.

5. Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken

This zesty and flavorful chicken dish is perfect for pairing with roasted veggies, orzo, or a fresh Greek salad.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp thyme

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

3. Serve over orzo or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

   
   

Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 36g

• Carbohydrates: 3g

• Fat: 12g

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 3 cups cooked brown rice (for serving)

• Steamed broccoli and carrots (optional for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken.

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

4. Shred the chicken with two forks, mix it into the sauce, and serve over brown rice with optional vegetables.

   
   

Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, 6 servings):

• Protein: 38g

• Carbs: 32g

• Fat: 7g

• Calories: 350

Picture This: A bowl of shredded teriyaki chicken glazed with a rich brown sauce, served over fluffy brown rice, with vibrant green broccoli and orange carrot slices on the side.

7. Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker.

2. Add the sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Stir well.

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

   
   

Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, 5 servings):

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 35g

• Fat: 8g

• Calories: 350

Picture This: A hearty bowl of chili with chunks of sweet potato, black beans, and a rich tomato base, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

8. Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Lettuce leaves for serving

Instructions:

1. Rub the pork shoulder with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

2. Place the pork in the slow cooker with chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.

3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours.

4. Shred the pork and serve in lettuce wraps.

   
   

Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, 8 servings):

• Protein: 42g

• Carbs: 2g

• Fat: 15g

• Calories: 320

9. High-Protein Lentil Curry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried red lentils

• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (light)

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp curry powder

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.

2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir well before serving.

3. Serve with cooked quinoa or naan (optional).

   
   

Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, 6 servings):

• Protein: 25g

• Carbs: 40g

• Fat: 8g

• Calories: 320

Picture This: A vibrant golden curry with tender lentils, served in a bowl topped with fresh cilantro, and a side of fluffy quinoa or naan bread.

10. Turkey and Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds cleaned out

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet.

2. Mix the turkey, cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.

3. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture and place them in the slow cooker.

4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add cheese during the last 30 minutes if desired.

   
   

Macro-Nutrient Breakdown (per serving, 4 servings):

• Protein: 35g

• Carbs: 25g

• Fat: 9g

• Calories: 320

Picture This: Brightly colored bell peppers stuffed with turkey and quinoa, topped with melted mozzarella, and garnished with parsley.

Conclusion

With these five high-protein slow cooker recipes, you’ll be set for the week. Each meal is easy to prep, packed with nutrients, and perfect for maintaining a balanced diet. Whether you're looking to save time, build muscle, or simply enjoy delicious home-cooked meals, these recipes have you covered.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to portion your meals in high-quality containers for easy grab-and-go options.

Let us know which recipe you’ll try first in the comments below!