3 Macro Friendly Crock Pot Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Crock Pot Series, Part 1 of 4

Some nights, dinner has to make itself. Between work, school pickups, practices, and everything life throws at you, the crock pot is the best kitchen helper you'll ever have. You dump it in the morning, walk away, and come home to a hot meal.

These high-protein crock pot chicken recipes give you three simple options for those busy evenings. With a little preparation earlier in the day, you can spend less time figuring out dinner when everyone is hungry.

Welcome to the Lexi J Wellness Crock Pot Series! Over the next three cold months, I'm sharing some of the LJW Team’s favorite slow cooker meals. They're high in protein, family-friendly, and made for real life. We're starting with chicken, because it's lean, budget-friendly, and goes with just about anything.

You don’t need a completely different menu every week to stay consistent. You need a few meals you enjoy, know how to make, and can count on when life gets busy!

Why build dinner around protein?

Protein is the most filling nutrient. It helps keep you satisfied longer, keeps your energy steadier, and supports the muscle that keeps your metabolism working for you. When dinner is built around protein, the 9pm snack attack tends to get a lot quieter.

3 High-Protein Crock Pot Chicken Recipes

Before you start, thaw your chicken in the refrigerator and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. USDA recommends thawing meat and poultry before placing them in a slow cooker.

Cooking times vary with your appliance and the size of your chicken pieces. Use the times below as a guide, and check that chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part with a food thermometer before shredding and serving.

Nutrition note: The estimates below come from the original recipes and aren’t independently recalculated. Chicken weights, ingredient brands, substitutions, and toppings affect the totals, so use your actual ingredients when tracking; optional toppings and sides are additional.

1. Ally’s Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

Serves 6 | Macros per serving- Calories 252 l P31 l C24 l F4 l Fiber 7

Ingredients

• 8 chicken thighs or 4 large skinless chicken breast

• Homemade taco seasoning blend (1tbsp chili powder, ½ tsp dried oregano, ¾ tsp ground cumin, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, sprinkle of salt and pepper) 

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 3 tsp minced garlic

• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes

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

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 4 cups chicken bone broth 

• Optional toppings: 

• Shredded cheddar cheese 

• Plain greek yogurt

• Cilantro 

• Avocado slices 

• Tortilla chips 

Instructions 

1. Lightly coat your slow cooker with cooking spray.

2. Add the chicken, seasonings, onion, garlic, tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth.

3. Cover and cook on low for approximately 4–5 hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F. Allow more time if needed.

4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and stir it back into the soup.

5. Divide into six portions and add your preferred toppings.

2. Michan’s White Chicken Chili 

Serves 6 | Macros per serving- Calories 349 l P39 l C27 l F9 l Fiber 5

Your protein, carbs, and veggies all come out of one pot. Dinner is fully done.

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken breast  

• 1 (11 oz) can corn drained 

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans rinsed 

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilis undrained 

• 2 cups chicken broth 

• 1 (1oz) ranch seasoning packet 

• 1 tsp Cummins 

• 1 tbsp chili powder 

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 (8 oz) package of 1/3 less fat cream cheese 

• Optional toppings: 

• Shredded cheese

• Crumbled bacon 

Instructions 

1. Lightly coat your slow cooker with cooking spray.

2. Add the chicken, corn, beans, tomatoes and green chiles, broth, ranch seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder.

3. Place the cubed cream cheese on top and cover.

4. Cook on low for approximately 6–8 hours, checking for doneness earlier if your chicken breasts are smaller. 

5. Remove and shred the chicken. Whisk the broth and softened cream cheese together, then return the chicken and stir.

6. Divide into six portions and add any toppings.

3. Leslie’s  Creamy Salsa Chicken

Serves 6 | Macros per serving- Calories 161  | 28P | 3C | 3F

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts

• 1 jar salsa

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

Instructions 

1. Lightly coat your slow cooker with cooking spray.

2. Add the chicken and pour the salsa and greek yogurt over it.

3. Cover and cook on low for approximately 6 hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.

4. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the salsa and yogurt. 

5. Divide into six portions and serve with your chosen sides.

Meal Ideas: tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas

Your Next Step for Easier Weeknight Dinners

Look at your calendar and choose one busy evening that could use a dinner plan. Pick one of these recipes, plan your cooking time, and add any sides or toppings to your shopping list.

Healthy weeknight dinners become easier to repeat when you have a few reliable options ready. Start with one meal this week and build from there!

Coming up next

In Part 2, you’ll get more cozy comfort-food ideas to add to your rotation. Keep your crock pot handy and save your favorites as you go!

Want meals like these built around YOUR goals, with personalized video feedback from your coach every week? Book your free consult here!