Busy fall weeknights call for a crockpot on standby.

I load it up before the day gets away from me and dinner just happens. Protein still has to show up in a big way.

So here are my 21 high protein crockpot dinners for busy fall weeknights. These are the ones that save me when there’s no time to cook.

What I find myself reaching for again is the Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken at number 8. It’s the protein heavyweight of the list, with 53.8g per serving and a sauce everyone fights over.

1. Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken

Need a recipe that will satisfy your whole family? Try out this cream cheese chicken.

It is such a simple, yet delicious meal. The creaminess comes from a combination of cream cheese and cream of mushroom soup, like this.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 407
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 1.7g
• Sugar: 2g

2. Crockpot Pesto Chicken

Pesto is one of my favorite flavors, which is why I am such a big fan of this easy crockpot pesto chicken. It has tons of protein and is sure to delight everyone in your family!

I like to serve this crockpot chicken recipe with pasta or garlic bread.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 622
• Fats: 37g
• Protein: 60g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 2.7g
• Sugar: 5.5g

3. Crockpot Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

This is the dinner I reach for when the week gets away from me. Chicken thighs, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and balsamic all go into the crockpot together. Hours later, the tomatoes have burst into a rich, saucy mess.

It earns its spot on a busy weeknight list because the prep takes almost no time. At 384 calories and 33 grams of protein, it feels hearty without being heavy.

I like spooning the extra sauce over rice or pasta so nothing goes to waste. Fresh basil stirred in at the end keeps it bright. Dinner is done before I even finish answering emails.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 384
• Fats: 24.7g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 7g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 5g

4. Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

The flavors in this lemon chicken orzo soup are truly to die for. This one is super easy to make and is a real crowd pleaser for everyone in the family!

Enjoy these other crockpot soup recipes!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 334
• Fats: 4.6g
• Protein: 36g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fiber: 2.9g
• Sugar: 3.7g

5. Crockpot Chicken Lemon Soup

For me, nothing beats a pot of steaming soup with crusty bread. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together for a cozy night of games and movies.

Grab your crockpot, set-it and forget-it. Return later to a flavorful, high protein soup filled with tender, shredded chicken breasts, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, orzo pasta, fresh herbs, and a dash of zesty lemon.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 345
• Fats: 7.4g
• Protein: 36.5g
• Carbs: 30.6g
• Fiber: 3.1g
• Sugar: 4.2g

6. Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Source: cushyspa.com

I love the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan. If you do too, then I know that you will enjoy this easy crockpot Tuscan chicken.

It is high in protein and flavor. You will need your skillet to make the rich and tasty sauce, but everything else is done by your slow cooker!

This is a quick, stress-free meal that will wow your family.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 446
• Fats: 28g
• Protein: 44g
• Carbs: 7.3g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 3g

7. Crockpot Turmeric Chicken Soup

Golden broth, tender chicken, and a gentle warmth from turmeric make this soup feel like a reset. Carrots, celery, and onion keep the base simple. I load the crockpot in the morning and forget about it.

The crockpot does all the work while you’re out. A bowl gives you 29 grams of protein for only 318 calories. That makes it an easy win on tired evenings.

I made this for a friend I was visiting in another city who had been working late all week. She walked in, smelled the kitchen, and said it felt like someone had been taking care of her. We ate it on the couch with zero dishes to worry about afterward.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 318.02
• Fat: 18.46g
• Protein: 29.23g
• Carbs: 7.48g
• Fiber: 1.97g
• Sugar: 3.68g

8. Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Diced tomatoes, marinara, garlic, and Italian seasoning make a tangy base for this one. A bit of cream whisked with cornstarch turns it silky. The chicken nestles right in and cooks low and slow.

This is the protein heavyweight of the list, with 53.8 grams per chicken breast and 453 calories. It feels like a proper dinner even when the evening is a blur of school runs and deadlines. A little Parmesan on top makes it feel special.

I made this once while staying with my brother’s family, and my nephews asked for seconds before their dad had even sat down. They kept dipping bread into the sauce. It became the weeknight dinner they requested every time I visited after that.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 453
• Fats: 17.8g
• Protein: 53.8g
• Carbs: 16.5g
• Fiber: 2.8g
• Sugar: 7.1g

9. Crockpot Peanut Chicken

Peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and chili paste get whisked into a quick sauce. I pour it over chicken and bell peppers and let the crockpot do its thing. Lime and cilantro at the end brighten the whole pot.

Each serving gives me 44.9 grams of protein with only 14 grams of carbs. That makes it an easy pick for anyone chasing a high protein number without going heavy on carbs.

Friday night at my place usually means takeout cravings, and this is how I get around them. It tastes like a takeout order, but I know exactly what went into it. Served over cauliflower rice or brown rice, it never feels like a compromise.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 509
• Fats: 24.5g
• Protein: 44.9g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Sugar: 6.5g

10. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the high-protein chicken meal that dreams are made of! It is so tasty with a rich, creamy, & super indulgent Parmesan sauce.

Besides the sauce, the other star of this dish is sun-dried tomatoes like this. They add such an incredible tangy flavor to this meal.

I love making this dinner because everyone loves it and it’s incredibly easy & incredibly delicious.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 585
• Fats: 18.9g
• Protein: 47.6g
• Carbs: 9.8g
• Fiber: 1.6g
• Sugar: 4.2g

11. Crockpot Greek Chicken

This dish leans into bright, briny Mediterranean flavors. Chicken cooks low and slow with kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, garlic, and oregano until tender enough to shred. Feta gets added right at the end.

I made this once for my mom during a visit home, since she tends to like anything with big, bold flavors. She asked for the recipe before we even finished eating. It delivers 56 grams of protein per serving, well past the mark for this list.

Serve it over rice or with a simple salad and dinner is done. It stays gluten free and low carb throughout. I always keep extra feta nearby because it never feels like too much.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 503
• Fats: 20.6g
• Protein: 56.5g
• Carbs: 11.5g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 5.5g

12. Crockpot Sesame Chicken

Are you craving that sticky-sauce sweetness you get from Chinese takeout?

Don’t give up on your eating goals. You can create the same amazing taste at home in a much healthier, high protein dish.

Cook up a delicious meal of shredded chicken, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh scallions, with a side of Wonton chips. It delivers maximum take-out flavor with minimal effort.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 405
• Fats: 14.8g
• Protein: 45.2g
• Carbs: 20.6g
• Fiber: 0.9g
• Sugar: 16.4g

13. Crockpot Butter Chicken

I love a comforting curry, and this slow butter cooker chicken does not disappoint! You can prep this in about 30 minutes and let your crockpot do the rest.

Prep time for this can be as little as 10 minutes and that’s why I looove this recipe. Just so super convenient!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 545
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 41.8g
• Carbs: 15.4g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugar: 8.6g

14. Crockpot Chicken Shawarma

Chicken shawarma is a simple and super flavorful Middle Eastern dish. It is easy to make in a slow cooker with basic ingredients like garlic, lemon, and a variety of spices.

You can serve it with rice, pita, hummus, cucumbers, and tahini.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 485
• Fats: 21g
• Protein: 48.9g
• Carbs: 37.2g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugar: 6.4g

15. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

This Mississippi chicken is super scrumptious and requires minimal preparation and clean-up. It’s also low-carb and packs a flavorful punch with gravy mixes like this and ranch seasoning like this.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 349
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 6.7g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 2.7g

16. Slow Cooker Protein Chili

Chili is a family favorite at my house, and this recipe has plenty of protein! This is an easy and flavorful slow cooker recipe that you will come back to again and again.

If you like spice, I think it tastes great garnished with a few drops of this habanero hot sauce.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 471
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 39g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fiber: 17g
• Sugar: 12g

17. Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken With Artichokes

Source: thelazyslowcooker.com

Next up, we’re taking inspiration from the Mediterranean! Olives, tomatoes, lemons, and garlic pair to create a dish that reminds you of enjoying a meal with the ocean breeze blowing in your face.

The real secret to this dish is a simple extra ingredient: canned artichoke hearts. It’s so easy and cheap, plus it adds a ton of extra flavor and texture.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 322
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 7g

18. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Source: dinneratthezoo.com

Here is another excellent alternative to ordering in from a Chinese restaurant. This recipe uses flank steak and a yummy sauce to create an unforgettable meal in the slow cooker.

Low sodium soy sauce like this will help you add amazing flavor to this meal without derailing your health goals.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 308
• Fats: 9g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 23g
• Sugar: 14g

19. Crockpot Pepper Steak

Source: tastyoven.com

If you have been looking for a way to satisfy your Chinese food cravings, you will love this easy Crockpot Pepper Steak recipe. After combining the ingredients for the oh-so-tasty sauce, you just dump everything into your slow cooker and come back a few hours later to a delicious, healthy meal.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 267
• Fats: 5g
• Protein: 36g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 11g

20. Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken

Source: hungryhobby.net

Adobo chicken is so easy to make in a slow cooker and will give you a healthy, flavorful meal to look forward to at the end of a long day. I like serving this with rice and mixed veggies!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 242
• Fats: 7g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 3g

21. Crockpot Beef Enchilada Casserole

Source: masonfit.com

When you taste this beef enchilada casserole, you won’t believe how little active cooking time it requires! In just 10 minutes, you can prep this delicious meal and let your slow cooker do the rest.

Your family will be so impressed by the rich, flavorful sauce and tender beef!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 360
• Fats: 16g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 2g