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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Summer Slow Cooker Ideas That Will Save You Time and Energy

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 18, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer is the perfect time to enjoy delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Slow cookers are a great way to prepare easy and satisfying dishes that let you enjoy the season without the heat of the stove. Here are 21 simple slow cooker ideas that will help you save time and energy while still serving up great food for family and friends.

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Easy and Delish.

    Chicken thighs can be ready in just 10 minutes and then cooked slowly until they're nice and tender. They're covered in a thick honey garlic sauce that adds a lot of flavor. This is a good dinner option for busy nights when you want something simple. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other things. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Spicy Pesto Parmesan Slow Cooker Minestrone

    Spicy Pesto Parmesan Slow Cooker Minestrone.
    Photo Credit: The Pypers Kitchen.

    This Slow Cooker Minestrone is anything but dull. It's packed with flavor, featuring a nice kick, creamy cheese, and a rich blend of herbs and pesto. Perfect for a warm summer day, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. You can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a great choice for those lazy evenings when you want something comforting.

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    White Chicken Chili with Salsa Verde

    White Chicken Chili with Salsa Verde.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Slow cooker White Chicken Chili with Salsa Verde is a healthy and filling dish that's great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and save any extras in the freezer for a quick dinner later. This recipe is simple and doesn't require much work, making it perfect for busy days. It's a comforting meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Enjoy the flavors of this chili without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

    Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Slow cooker pork carnitas are easy to prepare, needing only about 10 minutes of your time before they cook all afternoon. The result is tender, shredded pork with crispy edges, perfect for filling soft flour tortillas. Topping them with diced onion and cilantro adds a fresh touch that everyone will enjoy. This dish is sure to become a favorite at the dinner table. It's a great option for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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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 delicious garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for summer, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everything cooks at the same time, making it easy to prepare. The flavors blend nicely, creating a satisfying dinner. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken

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

    This Korean BBQ Chicken is a great dinner choice for busy weeknights. It uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it easy to prepare. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is flavorful and satisfying, perfect for a summer evening. It's a simple way to bring a taste of Korean cuisine to your table.

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    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

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

    This recipe brings the delicious tastes of Tuscany right to your home with minimal effort. It's perfect for summer days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Enjoy a comforting dish that’s great for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This is a simple way to enjoy a taste of Italy during the warm months.

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    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This whole cooked chicken is incredibly tender and simple to make. You’ll be surprised that this rotisserie-style chicken comes from your slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just prepare it ahead of time, and you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready to go. Enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    tikka masala in a bowl with rice.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This is a classic British takeaway dish that you can easily make in a slow cooker. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is all about tossing in the ingredients and letting the cooker do the work. It’s a great way to enjoy homemade curry without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish brings all the flavors you love. Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is all about tender chicken cooked in a flavorful mushroom and wine sauce, with a little cream added right before serving. This dish is great when served over mashed potatoes, making it a cozy choice for a weeknight dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Garden in the Kitchen.

    This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a flavorful onion broth, creating a warm and satisfying meal. Topped with melted Gruyere cheese, it adds a delicious twist to a classic comfort food. It's perfect for those hot summer days when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is simple and requires minimal effort, making it a great choice for busy nights. Enjoy a cozy dinner that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Stuffed peppers are a great dish to enjoy during the summer. They are filled with ground turkey, rice, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn, making them both healthy and filling. These peppers cook up nice and tender in the slow cooker, allowing all the flavors to blend together. This meal is hearty and can easily be adapted to be vegetarian or vegan if needed. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, so you can have a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Popular Recipes.

    This slow cooker chicken chili is packed with flavor and features tender chicken along with a tasty mix of spices, beans, and salsa verde. The cream-based broth gives it a smooth and rich texture that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for those warm summer days when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up in the morning, and by dinner, you'll have a comforting dish ready to serve. This is a great option for busy nights when you still want something satisfying.

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    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

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

    This recipe is full of bright, tropical flavors that everyone will enjoy. It's super easy to prepare, just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Perfect for those warm summer days when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is a great addition to your family's dinner lineup. Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    This creamy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that your family will enjoy. It features tender chicken, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all infused with delicious Tuscan flavors. It's a simple meal that feels special without requiring a lot of work. The combination of ingredients creates a satisfying and hearty dish. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something comforting and tasty.

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    Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

    Slow cooker queso chicken tacos.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    This is a rich, cheesy, zesty chicken dish that's perfect for everything from quesadillas to sandwiches.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is a great way to enjoy delicious, tender pulled pork without needing a smoker. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop beautifully, resulting in juicy meat that's easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or a simple family dinner. You can set it up in the morning and let it cook all day, making mealtime a breeze. Enjoy the rich, smoky taste that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili

    Slow Cooker Hot Dog Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Beefy slow cooker hot dog chili is a great way to enhance your hot dog experience. Whether you're grilling hot dogs or warming them up in the slow cooker with the chili, this topping adds a tasty twist. It's simple to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings. This dish is sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy a fun and satisfying meal with this flavorful chili on top.

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    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: The Kitchen Girl.

    Slow cooker pulled pork is a fantastic dish that features well-seasoned pork shoulder cooked slowly to perfection. This tender and flavorful pork is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a great option for summer gatherings or casual dinners. With minimal effort required, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Perfect for those warm evenings when you want something delicious and easy.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Dump-And-Go Ground Beef Dinners That Save You Time

    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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