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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Effortless Slow Cooker Meals for Tired Parents and Hungry Kids

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 1, 2025, updated July 24, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook can be a challenge for busy parents, especially when kids are hungry and ready to eat. Slow cookers are a lifesaver, allowing you to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. Here are 21 easy slow cooker recipes that will satisfy both tired parents and hungry kids, making mealtime a breeze.

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken in a Hurry is a simple and tasty slow cooker dish that combines tender chicken with onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing. This creates a sweet and tangy sauce that brings everything together nicely. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy to prepare. Just set it up in the morning, and by dinner time, you'll have a delicious meal ready to go. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Crockpot Pina Colada Chicken

    Crockpot Pina Colada Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    Creamy coconut and pineapple chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. This slow cooker recipe is simple to make in large quantities, making it great for busy weeknights. You can enjoy it with rice, in tacos, or even on a salad. It's a versatile meal that the whole family will love. This dish is sure to brighten up your dinner routine.

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    Slow Cooker Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker meatloaf is a great option for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a hearty meal ready with minimal effort. It’s perfect for families and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Using the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making dinner time a breeze. This dish is a fantastic addition to your meal rotation.

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    Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn

    Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow cooker.

    Steak bites, potatoes, and corn come together in the slow cooker with a tasty garlic butter sauce. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Everything cooks at the same time, making it easy to serve a hearty meal. The flavors blend nicely, creating a comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy. It's a great way to have a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Homemade BBQ chicken wings are easy to make in the slow cooker with just a few simple ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend nicely, resulting in delicious wings that everyone will enjoy. They work great as an appetizer or a fun meal for the family. Enjoy these wings with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Biscuit Casserole

    Slow Cooker Chicken Biscuit Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Biscuit Casserole is a comforting meal that comes together in one pot. It’s perfect for using up leftover chicken and combines simple ingredients like biscuits, frozen vegetables, and cheese. This dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The flavors blend nicely as it cooks, creating a hearty and satisfying dinner. Everyone will enjoy this warm and filling casserole.

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    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This recipe is full of tropical flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a simple one-pot meal that you can just throw together without much effort. Your family will love the taste, and it’s easy to prepare. This dish is a great addition to your weekly menu. Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and spinach with pasta in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling and satisfying. It works well for families of all sizes and can easily feed a crowd. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s bound to be a favorite at your dinner table. This meal is sure to become a regular in your weekly rotation.

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    Slow Cooker Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This soup is simple to make and packed with flavor. It features fire roasted corn, fresh salsa, and whole black olives. Perfect for busy weeknights, it cooks in the slow cooker while you go about your day. Just set it up and let it do its thing. This is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)

    Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)..
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Carnitas is a popular Mexican dish that consists of tender, slow-cooked shredded pork with crispy edges. Making it in a slow cooker is simple; just toss in the ingredients and let it cook slowly until the meat is ready. After cooking, shred the pork and give it a quick broil to get those nice crispy bits. This dish is great for tacos, burritos, tostadas, and other meals. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken ala King

    Slow Cooker Chicken ala King.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Ala King combines tender chicken with a mix of vegetables and flavorful seasonings, creating a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s easy to prepare, so you can get it ready in no time. Just set it up in the afternoon, and it will be ready for dinner without much effort. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying. It’s a great way to bring the family together around the table.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

    Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes is a tasty meal that everyone in the family will love. It features tender chicken, baby carrots, and red potatoes all cooked together in a rich, creamy sauce. The sauce is made with ranch dressing mix and cream of chicken soup, giving it a comforting flavor. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and satisfying. Just set it up in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Crockpot Potato Soup

    Crockpot Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Crockpot Potato Soup is a warm and filling dish that's simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It includes all the tasty toppings you love on a baked potato, such as bacon, cheese, and green onions. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's a great meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting pasta dish that brings together tender chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. This meal is easy to prepare and cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Everyone in the family will enjoy this satisfying dinner. It's a great way to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken

    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Finding a simple dinner for busy nights is a breeze with this Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken. This dish puts a fun spin on regular chicken, making it a hit with everyone in the family. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This creamy pasta dish combines all the delicious flavors of chicken cordon bleu. It's filling and satisfying, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With its rich taste, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. You can easily prepare it in your slow cooker, making dinner a breeze. It's a recipe you'll find yourself coming back to time and time again.

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    Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken tikka masala served over white rice.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays when you want an easy, delicious, Indian-inspired meal. Just toss it all into your Crock Pot and enjoy!

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    Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup

    Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup
    Photo Credit: Whiskful Cooking.

    Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup is a simple and tasty dish that uses canned tomatoes, fresh basil, and a few easy seasonings. It all comes together effortlessly in the Crock Pot, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. This soup is comforting and filling, especially when paired with grilled cheese or some crackers. It's a great option for lunch or dinner that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal effort, you can have a warm bowl of soup ready to serve.

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    Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

    Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something simple and satisfying. This dish combines chicken thighs, vegetables, and pasta all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a meal that everyone will enjoy. It's a comforting option that brings together flavors everyone loves. This is a good dinner for those nights when you want to keep things easy.

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    Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

    Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Chopped chicken breasts, cheese, black beans, and southwest-style corn mix together in this easy slow cooker dish. It's a simple way to bring some Mexican flavors to your dinner table. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's a great option that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie {with Biscuits}.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    A warm and filling meal is easy to prepare with this slow cooker chicken pot pie recipe. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are combined with creamy soups, all topped with fluffy biscuits. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting. It’s a great choice for chilly evenings when you need a hearty dinner. Everyone will enjoy this cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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