Sometimes, after a long day, the thought of cooking feels overwhelming—especially when you want something nourishing but easy. I remember one evening, distracted by a buzzing phone and a half-finished book, I threw together this crockpot chicken recipe. The house slowly filled with the smell of smoked paprika and garlic, and even though I wasn’t exactly focused, the result was tender chicken that shredded effortlessly, mingling with vibrant bell peppers and spinach. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly what I needed: warm, satisfying, and ready when I was. That kind of comforting simplicity has kept me coming back to this dish whenever I’m craving a meal that’s both healthy and effortless.
Why You’ll Love It:
– It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or unusual ingredients, just straightforward flavors.
– The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making it ideal for busy or distracted evenings.
– High in protein but low in calories, it fits well into many healthy eating plans.
– The mix of spices and fresh veggies keeps every bite interesting, without adding extra fat or sugar.
– Because it’s so tender and juicy, it’s easy to shred and versatile for different meals.
If you’re hesitant about slow-cooked meals, this one’s forgiving. The timing isn’t super precise—you can nudge it a bit without worrying.
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Low Calorie High Protein Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A healthy and delicious low calorie, high protein crockpot chicken recipe perfect for meal prep and easy dinners. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with flavorful spices and vegetables, making a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot.
Add the chicken breasts on top of the onions and garlic in a single layer.
Pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken breasts.
Add the sliced red and green bell peppers on top of the chicken.
Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the ingredients in the crockpot.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 4.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the lemon juice and fresh baby spinach until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
Serve warm as is or with your choice of side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Kitchen Notes:
A slow cooker is all you need here—no fancy gear required. This chicken pairs nicely with a simple side of quinoa or steamed green beans if you want to round out the meal. Sometimes, I’ve added a splash of hot sauce just before serving for a little extra kick, though it’s flavorful enough on its own. If you want to switch things up, tossing in mushrooms or swapping spinach for kale could work, though I haven’t tested those thoroughly. Also, shredding the chicken while it’s still warm makes the texture much better, so try not to rush that part.
FAQ:
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: You can, but make sure your crockpot is large enough to cook evenly.
Q: What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
A: Regular paprika will do; the smoky flavor is lovely but not essential.
Q: How long can leftovers last?
A: Stored in the fridge, they’re good for about four days and freeze well for longer.
Ready to give your weeknight dinners a break? This crockpot chicken invites you to set it and forget it—then enjoy a meal that feels like a hug. Scroll down, save it, and let the slow cooker do its magic.