Effortless High Protein Crockpot Chicken: Dinner Done Right!
Craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This High Protein Crockpot Chicken recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. Forget slaving over a hot stove – just toss a few ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and forget it. This recipe results in juicy, tender chicken that’s perfect for everything from tacos to salads. Get ready to enjoy a family-friendly meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Seriously, this will become a staple in your household!
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Crockpot Chicken
- Super Easy: Truly a dump-and-go recipe! Minimal prep time required.
- High in Protein: Perfect for fueling your body and staying satisfied.
- Versatile: Use the shredded chicken in countless dishes.
- Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients and easily customizable to fit your dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the tender, flavorful chicken.
- Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients for High Protein Crockpot Chicken
- 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.75 oz) can Cream of Chicken Soup (can substitute with cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor)
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
How to Make High Protein Crockpot Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. This helps to prevent the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they are evenly distributed for even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to be mindful of the salt content in the ranch dressing mix.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking time can vary depending on your crockpot.
- Shred: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
To make this recipe even easier, use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken! Just stir it in with the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Remember using high quality ranch seasoning is important! For easier shredding, use an electric hand mixer on low inside the crockpot!
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness frequently.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Variation: Substitute the chicken for jackfruit and use a vegan cream of chicken soup alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your ranch dressing mix and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This shredded high protein crockpot chicken is incredibly versatile! It’s delicious served as is, but the possibilities are truly endless. I love using it for tacos, salads, and even adding it to pasta!
- Tacos or Wraps: Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream).
- Salads: Top a bed of greens for a protein-packed lunch.
- Sandwiches: Make a hearty chicken salad sandwich.
- Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta and vegetables for a quick and easy dinner.
- Baked Potatoes: Top a baked potato with the shredded chicken, cheese, and sour cream for a filling meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover easy crockpot chicken recipes are your best friends when meal prepping for the week. Here’s what you need to know.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chicken seems dry.
FAQ about High Protein Crockpot Chicken
- Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking, you can use frozen in a pinch. Add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time on low. Look for Chicken crockpot recipes easy.
- Q: Can I make this with chicken thighs?
- A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will result in even more moist and tender chicken. Adjust the cooking time as needed. You should consider looking for chicken thigh recipes crockpot
- Q: What kind of crockpot is best for this recipe?
- A: Any standard crockpot will work! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on your crockpot’s settings. Look for crockpot recipes slow cooker instructions!
- Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
- A: Yes, you can! Add chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes during the last 1-2 hours of cooking time. Consider looking for crockpot soup recipes for inspiration.
- Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
- A: It can be with a few adjustments! Use a sugar-free ranch dressing mix and ensure your cream of chicken soup is low-carb or homemade. Browse online for keto crockpot recipes!
Final Thoughts on High Protein Crockpot Chicken
There you have it – the easiest and most delicious high protein crockpot chicken recipe you’ll ever try! It’s truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights and a fantastic way to meal prep. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards for later, leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out, and subscribe to my blog for more simple and satisfying recipes. Happy cooking!
Effortless High Protein Crockpot Chicken
Craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This High Protein Crockpot Chicken recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. Forget slaving over a hot stove – just toss a few ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and forget it. This recipe results in juicy, tender chicken that’s perfect for everything from tacos to salads. Get ready to enjoy a family-friendly meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Seriously, this will become a staple in your household!
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Cooking Spray
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.75 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup can substitute with cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or water
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. This helps to prevent the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they are evenly distributed for even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to be mindful of the salt content in the ranch dressing mix.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking time can vary depending on your crockpot.
- Shred: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
To make this recipe even easier, use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken! Just stir it in with the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Remember using high quality ranch seasoning is important! For easier shredding, use an electric hand mixer on low inside the crockpot!
