By: Denise Bustard33 Comments
Posted: 5/22/20Updated: 12/17/20
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Keep your oven off with these tasty summer slow cooker recipes. Skipping the comfort food for lighter, fresh and summery meals, many of which can be prepped ahead.
While you might think of your slow cooker as the perfect way to cook soups and stews, and traditionally 'wintery' foods, it's also a really hands off way to cook summery foods. BONUS- keep your oven off and your house cool!
Summer slow cooker recipes
Winter or summer, the slow cooker is one of my favorite kitchen appliances because it makes dinner so dang hands off! Putting in the effort earlier in the day often means that dinner is as simple as serving it up or cooking a batch of rice.
One great way to get a lot of bang for your buck with summer slow cooker meals is to cook a big batch of protein and use it in multiple meals. This is perfect for days when you just can't turn the oven on, and busy weeks when you want a head start on dinner.
Several of the recipes in this post are based around pre-cooking a big portion of protein or sweet potatoes.
Click to jump to:
- slow cooker chicken recipes
- slow cooker sweet potato recipes
- slow cooker pulled pork
- slow cooker beef recipes
- other slow cooker recipes
Slow cooker tips
- filling the slow cooker- a good general rule is to fill your slow cooker half full. This means you need to cook at least 2 lbs of chicken at a time in a standard 6 quart slow cooker. You may want to invest in a smaller 2.5 quart slow cooker, which is perfect to cook 1 lb of chicken.
- use the right herbs- a general rule is to add hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme at the start of cooking. Reserve soft herbs like cilantro and parsley to add just before serving
- add acid at the end- many recipes can benefit from a boost of acid (lemon juice, lime juice, balsamic vinegar etc) at the end of cooking. It really brightens up the flavor!
- taste for salt- always taste test before serving and stir in more salt if needed
- use the right cut of chicken- chicken breast cannot handle over 5 hours (on low!) in the slow cooker. If you need to cook for longer than that, consider boneless skinless chicken thighs. Bonus: brown the thighs first and they will hold together even better!
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1. Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Chicken is a staple in our diet in the summer, and the slow cooker is a great way to cook a big batch. Some of the recipes below are part of a meal prep plan, which includes cooking a batch of slow cooker chicken ahead and using it in multiple meals. You are also welcome to cook the chicken and use it immediately in the recipes.
See: 7 Ingredient Meal Prep Plan + Shopping List (Honey Lime Chicken)
7 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
SEVEN simple slow cooker chicken recipes that have a lot of flavor for very little effort! Easy to prepare and made with wholesome ingredients, these crockpot chicken recipes are meal prep friendly and can be frozen as crockpot freezer meals!
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken
This honey lime chicken is an easy and delicious base slow cooker recipe with only 6 ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to throw together. Use it on sandwiches, tacos, salads and more. Gluten-free, meal prep- and freezer-friendly.
Check out this recipe
Asian Chicken Soba Noodle Salad
You're going to love this Asian chicken soba noodle salad with a tangy sesame vinaigrette and a whole rainbow of fresh veggies for a tasty lunch or dinner. Fresh, crunchy and easy to customize with your favorite salad add ins.
Check out this recipe
Thai Chicken Naan Pizza (10 minutes)
Get dinner on the table in 10 minutes with this simple and delicious Thai chicken naan pizza! With spicy Thai curry 'sauce', shredded chicken and veggies, it's a unique twist for pizza night.
Check out this recipe
Honey Lime Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
Honey lime shredded chicken sandwiches are cooked up in the slow cooker and topped with an easy slaw for a simple and easy weeknight dinner. Slightly sweet, savory, tangy and delicious.
Check out this recipe
Cilantro Lime Chicken Crockpot Tacos
Cilantro lime chicken tacos are full of simple, bright flavors: cilantro, lime juice, garlic and a touch of honey! No sauteeing required (just 15 min prep!), and easy to meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
Fall apart tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor, this slow cooker sweet chili chicken requires just 6 ingredients! Perfect to use in quesadillas, rice bowls, tacos and more.
Check out this recipe
Tropical Sweet Chili Chicken Rice Bowls
These tropical sweet chili chicken rice bowls are made with juicy sweet chili chicken, mango chunks, guacamole, and cashews! Ready in 30 minutes using slow cooker sweet chili chicken.
Check out this recipe
Sweet Chili Chicken Tacos with Yogurt Sauce
These sweet chili chicken tacos are made with slow cooker sweet chili chicken, and are topped with a crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy sweet chili yogurt sauce!
Check out this recipe
Sweet Chili Chicken Quesadillas with Peach Salsa
These sweet chili chicken quesadillas have a DELICIOUS peach salsa and are ready in under 20 minutes! Leftovers make for a great lunch the next day.
Check out this recipe
2. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Recipes
Cooking your sweet potatoes in the slow cooker is a genius way to keep your oven off in the summer. Slow cooker sweet potatoes are always perfectly creamy and tender on the inside. You can then use the sweet potato filling in various recipes, or stuff the sweet potatoes with your favorite fillings and finish them off in the oven (for a much shorter amount of time than you would otherwise have used).
Ultra Creamy Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes
How to make ultra creamy crock pot sweet potatoes that are perfect for meal prep. 5 minutes prep, one ingredient, plus 10+ delicious ways to use them up!
Check out this recipe
Freezer to Oven Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
With delicious TexMex flavors, these enchilada stuffed sweet potatoes are great for lunch or dinner. You can prep them ahead and freeze for easy meals during busy weeks.
Check out this recipe
Chipotle Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas
These sweet potato black bean quesadillas are the best of both worlds: creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. With a hint of spice and smokiness from chipotle peppers, sweetness from the sweet potatoes, and (of course) gooey cheese, these quesadillas are a dinner that is loved by all.
Check out this recipe
Sweet Potato Falafel Pitas with Tahini Sauce
These sweet potato falafel pitas are a fun remix on the classic falafel: soft and slightly sweet. Bake them up in the oven and serve in a pita with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Check out this recipe
Sausage Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet and slightly spicy, these sausage stuffed sweet potatoes are totally delicious! Sweet potato filling is mashed with cumin, salt and creamy yogurt, topped with spicy Italian sausage, and sprinkled with pepper jack. Simple, tasty, and easy to prep ahead.
Check out this recipe
3. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
There is no better way to cook tough pork shoulder than in the slow cooker! A long, slow cook time ensures the tough collagen fibres in a pork shoulder melt into the meat resulting in tender, juicy pulled pork. Use your pulled pork in a variety of summery meals so that you never get bored.
See: Pulled Pork Meal Prep Plan + Shopping List
Crock Pot Pulled Pork
This crock pot pulled pork is made with pork shoulder simmered in clean ingredients (no sodas or pre-packaged ingredients). Makes a great freezer crock pot recipe!
Check out this recipe
Pulled Pork Sweet Potato Skillet
My easy pulled pork sweet potato skillet recipe is the perfect addition to your weeknight meal plan. Made with pre-cooked pulled pork and hearty veggies, this filling and flavorful meal comes together in less than 30 minutes using just one pan.
Check out this recipe
Pulled Pork Stuffed Zucchini Boats
With 3 simple ingredients, these pulled pork stuffed zucchini boats are a tasty low carb dinner idea that is ready in 30 minutes! With juicy pulled pork, tender zucchini and gooey cheese, they are the perfect way to use up pulled pork, you can make extras and freeze.
Check out this recipe
Pulled Pork Burrito Bowls
Pulled pork burrito bowls are packed with southwestern flavor and lots of healthy ingredients for a complete one-bowl meal. Easily prep all of your ingredients ahead of time and assemble whenever you're ready to enjoy!
Check out this recipe
Pulled Pork Meal Prep Bowls
Pulled pork meal prep bowls are full of summery flavors: spicy Instant Pot pulled pork, roasted sweet potatoes, corn and fresh tomatoes! Gluten-free, paleo, and perfect for lunches.
Check out this recipe
4. Slow Cooker Beef Recipes
Just like pork shoulder, the slow cooker is a great way to cook tough cuts of beef. Since this cooks a huge batch, we have a variety of recipe options for you to use them up through the week.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Beef
A sweet and savory pulled beef recipe that takes only 10 minutes prep time! This beef is very versatile and can be used on sandwiches, salads, stir fries, or tacos!
Check out this recipe
Honey Garlic Shredded Beef Tacos
With fall-apart tender honey garlic beef, roasted vegetables and crumbled feta cheese, these shredded beef tacos are a huge hit! Simple to prepare and can be meal prepped.
Check out this recipe
Honey Garlic Beef Rice Bowls
Honey garlic beef rice bowls have juicy shredded beef, crunchy carrots and bell peppers, and a tangy sesame vinaigrette. Served cold, they work well for meal prep or for a simple dinner.
Check out this recipe
Honey Garlic Shredded Beef Sandwiches
Honey garlic shredded beef sandwiches can be made ahead in the slow cooker. Topped with cucumber, carrots, cilantro and sriracha mayo, they are full of flavor and easy to assemble for a weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Jerk-Inspired Beef Tacos with Mango Salsa
These slow cooker jerk-inspired beef tacos are full of Caribbean flavor, and are served wrapped in tortillas, topped with a sweet mango salsa. The perfect blend of spicy, sweet and savory.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
A simple and easy slow cooker Korean beef lettuce wraps recipe with only 7 ingredients! Serve in lettuce wraps for a light and fresh dinner.
Check out this recipe
More Slow Cooker Recipe Ideas
Keep your oven off by cooking your breakfast casseroles and stuffed peppers in the slow cooker! This is a great option during the warm summer months.
Crockpot French Toast Casserole
This crockpot french toast casserole is the perfect brunch recipe for Easter, Mother's Day, or just a regular Sunday! Assemble it the night before, and cook the next day, for a super hands-off brunch recipe.
Check out this recipe
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Set your slow cooker the night before and wake up in the morning to a delicious crockpot breakfast casserole. With eggs, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers and cheese!
Check out this recipe
Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers Recipe
These crock pot stuffed peppers are made with 5 simple ingredients and filled with delicious taco flavors. Easy to prep ahead (you can even freeze them), and cook in the slow cooker for a convenient and hands off dinner.
Check out this recipe
Meet Denise Bustard
Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.
Read more...
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Reader Interactions
Leave a Comment
Suzanne Holt says
Thanks for compiling these recipes - they look delicious!
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Denise says
Thanks, Suzanne! There are definitely a few I need to try!
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Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
Uh, I am SO hungry right now! Thanks so much for including me! Pinning for sure 🙂
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Denise says
Ha ha...dangers of being a food blogger, right? Both of your recipes look so delicious, Ashley!
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Jen @ Carlsbad Cravings says
This collection looks amazing! I want to try everything! Thanks also for featuring my recipe!
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Denise says
Your Citrus Fajita Chicken looks so fresh and flavorful, Jen! I will definitely have to try it!
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Denise says
I agree, too many choices! Thanks, Jessica!
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Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
Thanks for compiling this, Denise! What a great source of inspiration for using my favorite kitchen appliance!
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Denise says
It is quickly becoming my favorite appliance as well, Andrea! Although sometimes I still feel like we're getting to know each other :S
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Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I love using my crockpot in the summer. That means no heating up my house from using the oven! These are all great!
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Denise says
I can only imagine how hot your house must get in California, Natalie! Slow cooker= perfect solution 🙂
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Harriet Emily says
All of these recipes look so delicious! My mouth is seriously watering right now, they're all making me so hungry! Thank you for sharing such great recipe inspiration! 🙂
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Denise says
Thanks, Harriet!
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Jen says
Love this roundup! My slow cooker get a ton of use in the summer. Can't wait to try some of these fabulous recipes!
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Denise says
Thanks, Jen! I can't wait to get started on some of these 🙂
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marcie says
I love using my slow cooker year round, and it's important in the summer because we're out and about all day and there's barely time to cook! Love this round up!
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Denise says
That's so true, Marcie! It's awesome to come home to the smells of dinner, isn't it?
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Catherine says
Dear Denise, It all looks wonderful! A delicious roundup of summer recipes. xo, Catherine
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Denise says
Thanks so much, Catherine!
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Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
I definitely don't use my crockpot as often as I should in the summer, and now you've totally given me all the inspiration I need to keep on using it throughout the summer! Love this line-up, Denise! Thanks for including my jerk chicken tacos!
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Denise says
Your jerk tacos look amazing, Sarah! Thanks so much 🙂 🙂
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Lindsay@BluegrassBites says
These all look delicious, Denise! Thanks for including my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Quesadillas in your round-up!
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Denise says
Your Honey Garlic Chicken Quesadillas looked so delicious and were so creative, that I had to include them! Definitely will have to give them a try! Thanks, Lindsay 🙂
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April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
Now I want to make ALL of these recipes! Great round-up - I use my crock pot more in the summer and I definitely need more ideas. Got that solved now 🙂
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Denise says
I know, I'm so hungry after looking at the post again 🙁 Thanks, April!
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Olivia - Primavera Ktichen says
This is such a great collection, Denise! I definitely should use more my slow cooker in the summer too. Thanks a lot for sharing it 😉
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Denise says
Thanks, Olivia! I'm feeling inspired, too 🙂
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Marge says
They all look so enticing! I'm now really craving for a good burger after seeing the Banh Mi sandwich.
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Denise says
Oh my goodness, that one looks amazing, doesn't it, Marge?
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Ashley says
I'm guilty of the same thing! I get so much use out of mine during the colder weather but come summer I forget about it! What a great collection of recipes!
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Denise says
Thanks, Ashley! I am definitely feeling inspired to try out some more summery slow cooker recipes now 🙂
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Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
These are awesome, Denise! I love using my slow cooker in the summer because it doesn't heat up the house as much as the oven. Thanks for including my tacos! 🙂
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Denise says
Your tacos look amazing! Thanks, Liz!
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