30 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes for a High-Protein Dinner

The great thing about slow cooker meals is that, generally, they’re made with minimal substances and you’ll set-and-forget them. And when you possibly can assure a slow cooker meal will probably be chock-full of protein, you’ve got bought a winner, winner chicken dinner.

That is why we rounded up 30 gradual cooker chicken recipes that assure satisfaction and satiety because of their excessive protein content material. Our checklist consists of one-pot wonders that may be served alone in addition to predominant dish entrees that may be served with sides.

Maintain studying for a slew of chicken-based recipes which are perfected when cooked low and slow in your Crock Pot.

“This recipe makes use of mayonnaise to carry creaminess, however it’s excessive in saturated fat which might improve unhealthy ldl cholesterol and pose a threat for coronary heart well being,” Miranda Galati, RD, says. To lighten it up and add extra protein, swap half of the mayo for low-fat Greek yogurt.

Soy sauce is excessive in sodium which might result in bloating and water retention and should even elevate blood pressure, Galati says. Think about swapping conventional soy sauce with the low-sodium selection or coconut aminos.

“The tomatoes on this recipe have the antioxidant lycopene, which helps coronary heart well being,” Galati says. “And inexperienced peppers are wealthy in vitamin C.”

This dish could also be missing in fiber, Galati says. So as to add, serve this rooster with a 1/2 cup of black beans which has 7.6 grams of protein and seven.5 grams of fiber.

“Hen chili is a superb various to traditional beef chili as a result of it presents the identical protein with rather less saturated fat,” Galati says. To cut back sodium content material, use low-sodium rooster broth.

Since pre-made BBQ sauces will be excessive in sugar, search for a low-sugar possibility from the shop. “You could possibly additionally make you personal from scratch,” Galati suggests.

“Carrots, bell pepper, onion, ginger and garlic all present distinctive well being advantages,” Galati says. “These colourful greens provide fiber, nutritional vitamins and health-promoting phytochemicals.”

Whereas bacon is scrumptious and will be loved carefully, i’s additionally excessive in sodium, Galati warns. “Attempt utilizing half the quantity of bacon the recipe requires and for a barely decrease fats possibility, you would use middle reduce bacon.”

This traditional soup recipe is low in carbohydrates. “Starchy carbs are essential to really feel energized and glad all day lengthy,” Galati says. “I would suggest including a supply of fiber-rich carbs like brown rice or potatoes.”

Utilizing canned beans is a cheap means so as to add protein and fiber to any meal, Galati says. “Some folks could discover that canned beans trigger uncomfortable gasoline as a result of they’ve oligosaccharides that may upset delicate bellies. To stop gasoline, make sure that to empty and rinse the beans effectively earlier than utilizing.”

“One method to make this predominant dish extra balanced is so as to add a aspect of greens,” Hannah Cooper, RD, says. “In the event you’re seeking to decrease the playing cards on this dish, attempt swapping the white rice for cauliflower rice.”

“This dish has not less than two servings of greens, however when you wished so as to add extra, I might suggest throwing in some zucchini,” Cooper says. “It is high in antioxidants, nutritional vitamins and minerals, and would complement the flavour profile of this dish.”

In the event you’re watching your sodium, think about using low-sodium or no-salt-added black beans on this recipe, Cooper suggests. And swapping the cheese for avocado retains the creaminess of the bowl, however provides healthy fat.

This rooster entree is filled with protein and even has 3 grams of fiber, Cooper says. To make it a well-balanced meal, contemplate serving with a posh carb like brown rice or quinoa.

“Entire wheat pita pockets are nice for this recipe as a result of they’ve extra vitamins and fiber,” Cooper suggests. In the event you’re seeking to get pleasure from this with out added carbs, think about using a lettuce wrap.

Together with brown rice and black beans provides advanced carbs and fiber to this meal, Cooper says. That is additionally a terrific dish to load up on veggies. Customise together with your favourite greens or use no matter you have got in your fridge.

Coconut milk is the key to this creamy pot pie recipe with out including dairy. If you wish to decrease the fats, think about using mild coconut milk as an alternative.

Quesadillas are simple to make and a household favourite. In the event you do not wish to put greens inside your quesadilla, contemplate serving with a aspect of veggie sticks or a salad so as to add fiber and different vitamins, Cooper says.

“This dish is filled with protein and fiber, and consists of nutritious starchy greens,” Cooper says. “It is a terrific balanced meal since you are getting advanced carbs from the sweet potatoes and two servings of greens.”

Although this meal is already well-balanced with carbs, greens and lean protein, together with further greens would add some bulk to this meal. Think about a inexperienced vegetable like collard greens, swiss chard or kale, Cooper suggests.

“Curcumin is the lively compound present in turmeric, which supplies it its lovely colour and anti inflammatory properties,” Sarah Jackson, RD, proprietor of Origin Nutrition, says. “Including black pepper to turmeric-infused dishes will increase the bioavailability of turmeric.”

Jackson recommends including a cup of diced yellow onions to this recipe, which have compounds which are linked to higher immune and digestive well being. “Onions are prebiotic and have plant fibers that feed good micro organism within the intestine to assist them thrive.” In addition they add additional taste to the dish, too.

To decrease the fats and sodium on this dish, Jackson recommends swapping butter for avocado oil (which is wealthy in wholesome fats) and utilizing low-sodium broth.

“Swap red potatoes for candy potatoes so as to add extra fiber,” Jackson suggests. “The additional fiber is nice for digestion and can provide help to really feel extra full.”

Since consuming an excessive amount of sodium can result in elevated blood strain, which is linked to coronary heart illness and stroke, swap common rooster inventory for a low-sodium selection or make your own stock at home.

“Including broccoli florets to this recipe will improve the fiber,” Jackson says. “Studies have proven that consuming extra fiber-rich meals have a protecting impact towards sure cancers.”

“Including greens to this dish like bell peppers and carrots add vitamin C and A content material,” Jackson says. “These nutritional vitamins are each potent antioxidants, that are linked to a discount in oxidative stress.”

Earlier than cooking, go away mushrooms in daylight with gills dealing with as much as improve their vitamin D ranges, Jackson suggests. “Vitamin D is essential for immune well being and most American’s do not get sufficient, particularly through the winter months.”

Think about including green beans to this soup to extend fiber, folate and nutritional vitamins A, C and Okay, Jackson says. “Folic acid is just not solely essential throughout being pregnant, however it’s also linked to decrease charges of melancholy in adults.”

One serving of this recipe clocks in at 32 grams of protein. To make it a well-balanced meal, contemplate serving with a starch like a potato or brown rice and a aspect of greens like kale, spinach or broccoli.