Summer heat doesn't have to mean hours in a hot kitchen! These 21 delicious slow cooker recipes are perfect for keeping your home cool while still serving up incredibly flavorful meals.
From easy BBQ chicken to zesty pulled pork and comforting tamale pie, these dishes are designed for busy days and lazy evenings, making summer cooking a breeze..
Table of Contents
Easy BBQ Crockpot Chicken
Whip up a summer favorite with this incredibly simple BBQ Crockpot Chicken.
The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken that's perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served alongside your favorite summer sides.
It’s the ultimate dump-and-go meal for a hot day..
Pro Tip: Freeze cooked and shredded chicken in portions for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy BBQ Crockpot Chicken
Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Enjoy all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak without the fuss or the heat.
Tender, slow-cooked beef with savory onions gets piled onto soft buns and topped with melty cheese.
It's a hearty, comforting meal perfect for any occasion..
Pro Tip: Serve on hoagie rolls or mini slider buns for a fun twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
These Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are a weeknight wonder, packed with flavor and minimal prep.
Bell peppers, onions, and seasoned chicken cook together to create a vibrant and delicious filling that's perfect for stuffing into tortillas.
It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love..
Pro Tip: Double the recipe for fantastic meal prep; freeze the cooked chicken and veggie mixture for future quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Southwestern Crockpot Chicken
Bursting with zesty Southwestern flavors, this slow cooker chicken recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Packed with corn, black beans, and chilies, it’s a vibrant and hearty meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner.
Serve it over rice or in wraps for a complete and satisfying dish..
Pro Tip: Substitute chicken thighs for breasts for an even more tender and flavorful result.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Crockpot Chicken
Summer Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Salad Bowls
Beat the heat with these cool and refreshing Asian Chicken Salad Bowls.
Tender slow-cooked chicken, tossed with a vibrant Asian-inspired dressing and crisp vegetables, served over soba noodles.
It’s a lighter, brighter way to enjoy slow cooker cooking in the summer..
Pro Tip: Cook the chicken ahead of time and chill it before assembling the bowls for a cooler meal.
Get the Recipe: Summer Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Salad Bowls
Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Imagine tender, fall-apart beef simmered in a rich, homemade barbecue sauce, all made in your slow cooker.
Piled high on crusty rolls with a hint of creamy coleslaw and melted cheese, these sandwiches are a crowd-pleasing favorite that makes summer entertaining a breeze..
Pro Tip: Keep the cooked beef warm in the slow cooker on a 'warm' setting for easy serving at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Southwest Tamale Pie
This Southwest Tamale Pie brings a fiesta of flavors to your slow cooker.
A base of seasoned ground beef and beans is topped with a cornbread mix for a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.
It’s a unique twist on a classic that’s sure to be a hit..
Pro Tip: Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Tamale Pie
Easy Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs made effortlessly in the slow cooker! These baby back ribs are coated in your favorite barbecue sauce for a sticky, sweet, and savory delight.
They’re the perfect way to enjoy a BBQ favorite without all the grilling hassle..
Pro Tip: Brush with extra BBQ sauce and briefly broil after slow cooking for wonderfully crispy, caramelized edges.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Bright, zesty, and incredibly easy, these Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos are a dump-and-go dream.
The slow cooker melds flavors of cilantro, lime, and taco seasoning into tender chicken, perfect for building your own delicious tacos.
It's a refreshing meal that's perfect for a warm summer evening..
Pro Tip: Freeze cooked and shredded cilantro lime chicken in portions for quick taco nights or burrito bowls later.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Zucchini Pizza Boats
Turn your garden zucchini into fun, bite-sized pizza creations with these slow cooker pizza boats.
Tender zucchini halves are filled with pizza sauce, Italian sausage, and topped with melted mozzarella.
They’re a playful and delicious way to use up summer squash..
Pro Tip: For a healthier twist, use turkey Italian sausage and low-fat mozzarella cheese.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Boats
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Dinner is served with these wonderfully easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas.
Juicy shredded chicken, black beans, and enchilada sauce combine for a comforting casserole-style meal.
The slow cooker keeps everything perfectly moist and flavorful, ready for you to top with your favorite fixings..
Pro Tip: Place a layer of paper towels over the enchiladas before putting the lid on to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Italian Summer Soup
This Italian Summer Soup is a light yet flavorful way to enjoy fresh vegetables and hearty Italian sausage.
The slow cooker creates a delicious broth that tenderizes all the ingredients, making it perfect for a warm day.
It’s a versatile soup that tastes great year-round..
Pro Tip: Add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh chives for an extra touch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Summer Soup
Crock-Pot Lemonade Chicken
Experience a delightful tart and tangy flavor with this Crock-Pot Lemonade Chicken.
The unexpected addition of lemonade concentrate creates a uniquely bright and delicious sauce for tender chicken.
Serve it over rice for a simple yet exciting meal that's perfect for any occasion..
Pro Tip: This recipe is perfect for making ahead and freezing; just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Crock-Pot Lemonade Chicken
Pork Carnitas
Achieve incredibly tender and flavorful pork carnitas with your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
This recipe creates succulent shredded pork with delicious crispy edges, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
It’s a versatile dish that makes weeknight Mexican-inspired meals a breeze..
Pro Tip: For extra crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pork Carnitas
Island Pulled Pork
Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this Slow Cooker Island Pulled Pork.
A blend of aromatic island spices creates a rich, tender pork that’s perfect for sandwiches.
It’s an easy way to bring a taste of paradise to your kitchen, no matter the season..
Pro Tip: Remove excess fat from the shredded pork and use only defatted juices to moisten the meat for a healthier result.
Get the Recipe: Island Pulled Pork
Sweet & Sour Beef
This Crock-Pot Sweet & Sour Beef is an effortless way to bring a taste of Asian-inspired flavor to your table.
Tender beef simmered in a classic sweet and sour sauce, it's a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect served over fluffy rice.
The convenience of the slow cooker makes it a weeknight wonder, minimizing kitchen heat and maximizing deliciousness..
Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, you can thicken the sauce slightly with a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Beef
Healthy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
A refreshingly unique take on chicken salad, this recipe boasts a zesty dill pickle flavor that's surprisingly delightful.
Made healthier with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, it offers a creamy texture without the heaviness of traditional mayonnaise.
It's wonderfully versatile, perfect for sandwiches, a light salad topping, or a tasty dip..
Pro Tip: Prep this ahead for easy lunches; it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-6 days.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Italian Chicken & Zucchini
Celebrate the fresh flavors of summer with this Italian-inspired slow cooker chicken and zucchini dish.
Tender chicken breasts meld with tender zucchini in a savory spaghetti sauce, infused with classic Italian seasonings.
It's a simple, veggie-packed meal that's delicious on its own or served over your favorite pasta..
Pro Tip: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms to this flexible recipe.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken & Zucchini
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the creamy, savory flavors of Tuscan cuisine with this one-pot pasta dish.
Tender chicken and pasta are simmered in a rich, sun-dried tomato-infused sauce, lightened with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for a healthier, yet decadent, meal.
It’s a comforting and satisfying recipe perfect for any night of the week..
Pro Tip: If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, halved fresh grape tomatoes can be a great substitute.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Turn your slow cooker into a fiesta maker with these easy Chicken Burrito Bowls! Seasoned chicken, corn, black beans, and zesty tomatoes cook together for a flavorful base that’s endlessly customizable.
Serve it over rice for a complete meal or enjoy it as a hearty appetizer, keeping your kitchen cool while building a flavor-packed bowl..
Pro Tip: This mixture is fantastic for meal prep; leftovers store well and are perfect for lunches throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Burrito Bowls
Potatoes, Sausage & Green Beans
This hearty slow cooker meal is a simple and budget-friendly way to create a complete dinner.
Tender potatoes, savory kielbasa sausage, and fresh green beans simmer together in a flavorful broth for a comforting dish reminiscent of classic, frugal cooking.
It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that requires minimal effort..
Pro Tip: For added flavor, consider using a smoked sausage or a touch of your favorite seasoning blend.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes, Sausage & Green Beans