Let me tell you, when it comes to easy, delicious meals, my love for *low carb high protein crockpot recipes* runs deep! I can’t tell you how many busy weeknights I’ve saved with this fantastic dish. Just pop everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it! The beauty of this recipe is that it not only keeps things simple but also packs a serious protein punch while keeping carbs low. Trust me, after a long day, there’s nothing better than coming home to the smell of tender, flavorful chicken waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies on the side for a complete meal. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can create with just a few basic ingredients. Let’s dive into making this gem!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple but essential ingredients to whip up this delicious low carb high protein dish:
- 2 lbs chicken breast – boneless and skinless, this is the star of the show! You can also use thighs if you prefer a bit more flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth – for that extra moisture and depth of flavor. Go for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake!
- 1 cup diced tomatoes – either canned or fresh; they add a lovely acidity and sweetness to balance the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped – I love using yellow onions for their sweetness, but feel free to experiment with red or white!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better! Fresh is best, but you can use jarred if that’s what you have on hand.
- 1 tsp paprika – for a hint of smokiness. Smoked paprika is my personal favorite for that extra kick!
- 1 tsp cumin – this spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste – always adjust to your preference! I like to start with a pinch and add more as I go.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, you’ll want to grab your trusty crockpot and place the 2 lbs of chicken breast right at the bottom. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can season the chicken with a bit of salt and pepper right now—this helps build flavor!
- Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. This will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with deliciousness as it cooks. You can use homemade broth or store-bought; just make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt.
- Now, it’s time for the 1 cup of diced tomatoes! Whether you’re using canned or fresh, just dump them in there. The acidity from the tomatoes is a game-changer for the overall flavor. I love seeing the vibrant colors mix in!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic next. These aromatics are going to make your kitchen smell amazing! I like to give the onions a quick stir with the other ingredients to distribute their sweetness evenly.
- Now, sprinkle in the 1 tsp of paprika and 1 tsp of cumin. These spices add a warm depth to the dish. Don’t be shy—give it a good stir to make sure everything’s well combined and coated in those lovely spices.
- Next, cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking will make the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours, but I promise the low and slow method is worth it!
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid (watch out for steam!). Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the pot. It should fall apart beautifully!
- Finally, give everything a good mix to combine the shredded chicken with those delicious juices and veggies before serving. And there you have it—your scrumptious low carb high protein meal is ready to shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation—just toss everything in and let the crockpot do the magic!
- Packed with protein and low in carbs, perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Full of flavor, thanks to the aromatic spices and tender chicken.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
- Versatile—serve it as is, or pair it with your favorite low-carb veggies for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
To make this low carb high protein crockpot recipe truly shine, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the seasoning; a little salt and pepper can drastically enhance the flavors, so taste and adjust as you go. If you have the time, try marinating the chicken in spices overnight for an extra flavor boost. Remember, cooking on low for 6-8 hours yields the most tender chicken, but if you’re in a hurry, the high setting works too—just don’t go over 4 hours! Lastly, feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs right before serving for a bright finish that’ll wow your taste buds!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize this low carb high protein crockpot recipe! Swap out the chicken for lean turkey or even pork tenderloin for a different flavor profile. For a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up! You can also experiment by incorporating different herbs like oregano or thyme for a fresh twist. If you want to sneak in some greens, toss in a handful of spinach or kale in the last hour of cooking—it’s a great way to boost the nutrition without adding carbs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this tasty low carb high protein crockpot dish is a breeze! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is key to maintaining that delicious flavor and texture. I recommend warming it up in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a meal that’s both satisfying and health-conscious, this low carb high protein crockpot recipe hits the sweet spot! Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (which is estimated based on the ingredients used):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific brands and quantities you use. But overall, this dish is a fantastic way to fuel your body with high-quality protein while keeping those carbs in check. Enjoy guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just toss the frozen chicken breasts into the crockpot; they’ll cook up just fine. However, you might need to add an extra hour or so to the cooking time.
What can I serve with this dish?
This low carb high protein crockpot meal is fantastic on its own, but you can pair it with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some cauliflower rice for a complete meal!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. You can also freeze leftovers for quick meals later on!
How do I make it spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can always adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This low carb high protein crockpot recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Just store it in individual containers in the fridge, and you’ve got healthy lunches or dinners ready to go!
Low Carb High Protein Crockpot Recipes for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious low carb high protein recipe made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breast in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
- Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the chicken and mix well before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: low carb high protein crockpot recipes
