When I think about comfort food, I think about meals that are warm, easy, and nourishing—exactly what I aim for with these high protein crockpot dinners. As a mom of two, life’s busy, but eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard. That’s why I rely on high protein slow cooker recipes like this one to simplify dinner. It’s one of those easy high protein crockpot meals that fills your kitchen with amazing smells and your body with what it needs. Whether you’re into healthy high protein crockpot recipes or prepping crockpot meal prep high protein bowls for the week, this dish checks all the boxes—and then some.
Table of Contents
A Family Classic, Reinvented with Protein-Packed Ingredients
From Grandma’s Kitchen to My Crockpot
It’s more than just a meal; it’s a little piece of my heart served on a plate.. It’s inspired by the honey garlic chicken my grandmother used to make. I still remember standing on a chair in her warm kitchen, stirring the sauce while she told stories. Now, I make a healthier twist on her recipe, transforming it into one of my favorite crockpot chicken dinners high in protein.
Cooking it in the crockpot means I can spend more time with my kids while dinner slowly becomes magic. With lean chicken breast and a sauce made from simple pantry ingredients like low-sodium soy sauce, tomato paste, and a touch of honey, this meal is satisfying, wholesome, and comforting.
I always serve it with brown rice and steamed broccoli—it’s a balanced plate that gives us long-lasting energy. This meal is so tender and flavorful that no one even notices how good it is for them. And for me, that’s the beauty of shredded chicken crockpot recipe high protein ideas like this: they taste like a treat, but they nourish like a powerhouse.
You’ll love pairing this recipe with my Protein-Packed Broccoli Rice Casserole or browsing more Healthy Chicken Crockpot Meals perfect for weeknights.
High Protein Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Trim chicken breasts and place them in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, garlic, tomato paste, vinegar, hot sauce, and corn starch until smooth.
- Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5 hours.
- Shred chicken with two forks or a hand mixer. Stir well to coat in sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion. Serve with rice and broccoli.
- Spray Instant Pot insert with nonstick spray. Place trimmed chicken inside.
- Whisk sauce ingredients together and add 1/4 cup water. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Quick release pressure, shred chicken, and stir.
- Mix cornstarch with 3 tbsp cold water. Stir into sauce using sauté function until thickened.
- Turn off heat and serve with rice or low-carb veggies.
Nutrition
Notes
- Freezer-friendly: Store cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Meal prep: Portion into containers with rice and vegetables for 3–4 days.
- Low-carb option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein-packed meal.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutritious Comfort – From Low Carb to Plant-Based
The Benefits of Low Carb High Protein Crockpot Dinners
If you’re aiming to stay full longer, balance your blood sugar, or support a fitness routine, low carb high protein crockpot dinners can be a total game-changer. This recipe checks those boxes beautifully. The lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein without the added fat, and skipping refined carbs keeps it light but satisfying.
Instead of rice, I sometimes serve it with cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini ribbons for a lower-carb version. The sauce still delivers flavor in every bite. Whether you’re managing weight or just feel better with fewer carbs, this dish fits your goals without sacrificing comfort.
You can find more low-carb inspiration in my Zucchini Chicken Bake or explore the Healthy Meals section for other nourishing ideas.
High Protein, Meatless, and Still Delicious
While this honey garlic chicken is a classic, there’s room at the table for plant-based eaters too. One of my favorite swaps is firm tofu or tempeh cooked the same way—just press and cube it, then let the sauce soak in. You get that sticky-sweet flavor with plenty of protein.
If you’re craving something cozy and vegetarian, a high protein slow cooker lentil soup is another go-to. It simmers all day with lentils, diced tomatoes, garlic, and hearty spices. It’s rich, filling, and perfect for prepping ahead.
These plant-based ideas prove that high protein crockpot dinners don’t need meat to satisfy. They’re warm, balanced, and built to nourish.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooking for High Protein Success
Crockpot & Instant Pot: Simple, Stress-Free Cooking
The best part about this recipe? You can make it in either a Crockpot or Instant Pot—depending on your schedule. This flexibility makes it one of the most easy high protein crockpot meals to keep in your weekly rotation.
Crockpot Method:
Trim any uneven pieces off the chicken breasts and place them in your crockpot. In a bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Make sure there are no clumps, then pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks or a hand mixer right in the pot. Stir well to coat. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds if you’d like. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli—or go low-carb with cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Method:
Spray the insert with nonstick spray, then add the trimmed chicken. Prepare the sauce just like before, but add 1/4 cup extra water. Pour it over the chicken. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. After pressure release, shred the chicken, stir a cornstarch slurry (3 tbsp cold water + 2 tbsp cornstarch) into the sauce, and use the sauté function to thicken. Once thickened, turn it off and serve hot.
This one-pot style also works well for high protein crockpot ground beef recipes—just swap in extra lean ground beef. And for chili fans, adapt the spices and tomato base to make a killer high protein crockpot chili that’s hearty and macro-friendly.
Don’t miss my Crockpot Ground Turkey Chili or explore the full Meal Prep Crockpot Collection for more batch-cooking wins.
Meal Prep Magic & Leftover Creativity
The Power of Crockpot Meal Prep High Protein Planning
There’s something deeply satisfying about opening your fridge midweek and seeing a row of meals already done. That’s what this recipe gives me. With just one pot, I get not only dinner for tonight but a head start on the next three days. That’s the magic of crockpot meal prep high protein meals—they work harder for you.
I start with the base: tender shredded chicken swimming in a sticky garlic-honey glaze. Then I remix it. Monday? Serve it warm over steamed jasmine rice with sesame broccoli. Tuesday? Wrap it into whole wheat tortillas with shredded carrots and a splash of lime for an Asian-inspired wrap. Wednesday? Toss it over crisp romaine for a power salad with toasted sesame seeds and edamame. Thursday? Stir it into cauliflower fried rice with scrambled egg for a low-carb, high-protein twist.
What began as one cozy crockpot dinner becomes four exciting meals. It’s the kind of cooking that respects both your time and your taste buds.
If you’re looking to stock your week with variety, you’ll love my Family-Friendly Freezer Meals and these One-Pot Protein Meal Preps that keep things creative.
Making Leftovers Feel Brand New
I used to get bored eating the same thing twice—until I realized leftovers are just ingredients waiting for a new story. This chicken, for example, turns into quesadillas with melty mozzarella and spinach. Or gets tucked into a bento box next to hard-boiled eggs and cucumber sticks for a protein-packed lunchbox. I’ve even folded it into omelets for a savory, satisfying breakfast.
That’s the beauty of high protein crockpot dinners: they don’t just feed your family once—they fuel your whole week with flavor, ease, and creativity.
Conclusion
There’s a reason this recipe keeps showing up on my dinner table. It’s not just tasty—it fits into so many real-life goals: eating better, feeling fuller, cooking less, and enjoying more. Whether you’re following a specific plan or just trying to nourish your family, these high protein crockpot dinners deliver. And in the end, that’s what matters most—serving something that brings comfort, connection, and energy to the people you love.
So go ahead, make a batch. Make a memory. Then make something new with the leftovers. Because when cooking is this simple and satisfying, it’s not just about the food—it’s about how it fits into your beautiful, busy life.
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FAQ About High Protein Crockpot Dinners
How can I get 40g of protein in a meal?
It’s easier than you think. Start with a lean protein base like chicken breast, which offers about 26g of protein per 3-ounce cooked serving. Add ½ cup of cooked quinoa (8g protein) or a boiled egg (6g) on the side, and you’re there. In recipes like this one, a generous serving of shredded chicken paired with rice and veggies delivers around 40g per plate—no protein powder needed.
Is high-protein dinner good for weight loss?
Absolutely. High-protein dinners help you feel full longer, reduce cravings, and preserve muscle mass while in a calorie deficit. This is especially important for sustainable weight loss. Recipes like these high protein crockpot dinners are a smart choice—they’re low in processed carbs, satisfying, and built for real life.
What are high-protein meatless meals?
Think lentil stews, quinoa bowls, tofu stir-fries, and black bean chili. Even without meat, ingredients like legumes, tofu, tempeh, seitan, and edamame pack a serious protein punch. Try my Lentil Coconut Curry or Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl if you’re going meatless without sacrificing protein.
What is the highest protein dish?
Grilled chicken or turkey breast reigns supreme, offering 40–50g per serving. But chili made with lean ground beef and beans can also pack 40g+ in one bowl. That’s why high protein crockpot chili is one of the most loved meal prep choices—it’s hearty, flavorful, and keeps you fueled.
Looking for more High-Protein Recipes to Stay on Track?
Check out our High Protein Flatbreads made with almond flour and cottage cheese—perfect for low-carb, high-protein snacking.
Prefer plant-based meals? You’ll love our High Protein Vegetarian Dinners and comforting High Protein Crockpot Dinners designed for busy lifestyles.
Don’t miss our High Protein Summer Dinners, flavorful High Protein Burritos, and refreshing High Protein Smoothies—all under 400 calories and perfect for weight loss.