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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Simple Slow Cooker Dinners That Let You Relax While They Cook

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 18, 2025, updated June 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and some prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work. Here are 21 simple dinner ideas that will fill your home with comforting aromas while you relax.

    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole

    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This casserole features tater tots, a southwestern twist, and plenty of cheese. It's a comforting dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal. Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let it bake while you relax.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are simple to prepare with a slow cooker. Just toss everything in, and it cooks to perfection, giving you tender, shredded chicken that's ideal for a tasty sandwich. This is a great option for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

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

    Transform your shredded chicken with this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken recipe. A blend of apricot preserves and Catalina dressing creates a sweet and savory sauce that’s really tasty. This is a great option for dinner when you want something simple and satisfying.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Divan

    Chicken Divan Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    Chicken divan in the slow cooker is a classic dish that many people enjoy. Using a slow cooker makes it really easy to prepare, allowing you to just throw everything in and let it cook. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal at home, offering a warm and satisfying flavor that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

    Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken brings together chicken, sundried tomatoes, chicken broth, and a few basic seasonings for a tasty dish. It requires very little prep time and cooks in about 3 hours, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a simple dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors. With just four ingredients, this chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s an easy option that requires minimal effort, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

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    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

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

    Transform simple chicken breasts into flavorful balsamic chicken with just a handful of ingredients. The combination of Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar brings out a rich taste that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for family dinners and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken is a fantastic option for busy weeknights. With just about 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for making pulled BBQ sandwiches and other meals. Plus, any leftovers can be easily frozen for later use.

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    Slow Cooker Maple Balsamic Chicken

    Maple Balsamic Slow Cooker Chicken.
    Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear.

    This dish features tender and juicy chicken breasts that require only 5 minutes of prep time. It's a simple option for a weeknight dinner, perfect for when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Autumn Chicken Dinner

    Slow Cooker Autumn Chicken Dinner.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow cooker chicken and sweet potato dinner is a healthy and simple one-pot meal. Chicken thighs, onions, and sweet potatoes cook together nicely, creating a comforting dish. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    Slow Cooker Ohio Chicken Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Ohio Chicken Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Ohio chicken sandwiches feature shredded chicken breasts mixed with cream of chicken, seasonings, and stuffing. This combination creates a comforting meal that brings the flavors of Thanksgiving right to your plate. It's a simple dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and filling meal. It combines tender chicken with rice and a creamy sauce, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken With Creamy Tomato & Spinach Sauce

    Slow Cooker Chicken With Creamy Tomato & Spinach Sauce.
    Photo Credit: My Life Cookbook.

    Keto slow cooker chicken with creamy tomato and spinach sauce is a flavorful and simple dinner option for busy weeknights. The sauce is rich and creamy, pairing nicely with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Each serving contains only 3.3g of net carbs, making it a great choice for those watching their carb intake.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken.
    Photo Credit: My Therapist Cooks.

    Barbecue chicken cooked in the slow cooker with a simple homemade BBQ sauce is a tasty option that requires very little effort. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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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 brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a mix of seasonings for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. With just a little bit of prep, you can set this dish to cook and let it do its thing while you go about your day. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    This chili is packed with rich tomatoes and spices, creating a hearty dish that's perfect for any meal. With ground beef and crispy bacon, it brings a satisfying flavor that everyone will enjoy. Add your favorite toppings to make it even better, and you've got a great chili that’s easy to prepare.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches bring together the classic flavors of a Caesar salad in a fun, easy-to-eat slider form. You’ll enjoy tender, juicy chicken topped with fresh lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing, all served on soft brioche buns. This dish is perfect for a quick meal that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Corn chowder brings the flavors of summer to your table, whether you choose fresh or frozen corn. This creamy dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal. Adding toppings like bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese takes it to the next level.

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    Slow Cooker Lamb

    Slow Cooker Lamb.
    Photo Credit: Veena Azmanov.

    Using a slow cooker to prepare lamb is a fantastic way to enjoy this meat with minimal effort. Just toss everything into the pot and let it cook, resulting in tender and juicy meat in about four hours. The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with steamed rice or crusty bread, making it a satisfying meal.

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    Slow Cooker American Goulash

    Slow Cooker Goulash.
    Photo Credit: Cincy Shopper.

    Slow Cooker American Goulash is a rich, meaty dish loaded with beef and veggies. This easy slow cooker ground beef recipe is great for dinner!

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    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado features tender beef cooked in a flavorful red chile sauce, paired with warm tortillas. It's a simple and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort. Just let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious results.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Easy Crockpot Summer Meals You Can Just Set and Forget
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      23 Easy Ground Beef Recipes That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    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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