18 Crockpot Meals You’ll Be Making All Summer Long
Just because it’s hot out doesn’t mean your slow cooker has to collect dust. In fact, summer is prime time to break it out—no oven, no sweat, and no standing over the stove. These 18 easy, breezy crockpot meals are perfect for warm weather: think lighter fare, BBQ classics, and dishes that practically cook themselves while you’re out enjoying the sun.
1. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
With BBQ chicken, simplicity is key. Toss chicken breasts, tangy BBQ sauce, and a dash of apple cider vinegar into your crockpot and let time work its magic. While you soak up the sun, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of summer.
Whether you serve it on buns, atop a bright garden salad, or nestled in a warm baked potato, this dish is versatile enough for any summer occasion.
Add a zesty coleslaw or a side of pickles to complete the plate. Your backyard BBQ just found its star player!
2. Pineapple Pulled Pork
Imagine tender pork shoulder melting in your mouth, infused with the sweet tang of crushed pineapple and a hint of soy sauce. This dish captures the essence of a tropical getaway, all in your crockpot.
Serve it up in sliders or tacos, letting the flavors transport you to a sun-drenched beach.
Pair it with a refreshing pineapple salsa or a crisp cucumber salad for the ultimate summer meal. It’s a dish that feels both luxurious and delightfully easy, making it a favorite for summer gatherings.
3. Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Bright, zesty, and incredibly simple, cilantro lime chicken tacos are a summer staple. With just chicken, lime juice, salsa, and a mix of spices, this dish is a breeze to prepare.
As the slow cooker works its magic, you’ll be greeted with aromas that evoke memories of sun-soaked markets and bustling food stalls.
Shred the tender chicken and pile it into tortillas or crisp lettuce wraps, topped with fresh cilantro. Each bite offers a refreshing burst of flavor, perfect for lazy summer days.
4. Crockpot Shrimp Boil
A shrimp boil may sound ambitious, but your crockpot makes it effortless. Corn on the cob, hearty potatoes, juicy shrimp, and smoky sausage come together with the unmistakable flavor of Old Bay seasoning.
This dish is all about communal eating and summer fun. Spread it out on newspaper or a large platter, and let everyone dig in.
A side of garlic butter enhances the rich flavors, bringing a taste of the seaside to your backyard. It’s a feast for the senses and a celebration of the season.
5. Honey Garlic Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious, honey garlic chicken served in crisp lettuce cups is a light yet satisfying meal. The crockpot tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with a honey glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
Ideal for meal prep, these wraps offer a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor with each bite.
Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick. It’s the kind of dish that leaves you feeling nourished without weighing you down.
6. Greek Chicken Pitas
Let the flavors of the Mediterranean infuse your kitchen with Greek chicken pitas. Chicken thighs are slowly simmered with lemon, garlic, oregano, and onions, creating a fragrant and hearty base.
Tuck this savory mixture into soft pitas, add a dollop of tzatziki, and a sprinkling of fresh cucumbers for a meal that feels like a warm island breeze.
Perfect for a picnic or a casual dinner, these pitas capture the essence of Greek cuisine with minimal effort. It’s a taste of Greece, right at home.
7. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes bring a spicy twist to a traditional favorite. The chicken, combined with hot sauce and ranch seasoning, cooks slowly until it reaches perfection.
Once ready, it’s stuffed into tender sweet potatoes, creating a tantalizing contrast of flavors and textures.
Cool it down with a drizzle of yogurt or blue cheese dressing, and you have a dish that’s both exciting and comforting. Each bite delivers a kick along with the natural sweetness of the potato, making it a true summer delight.
8. Crockpot Taco Soup
For a lighter, summer-friendly soup, crockpot taco soup is unbeatable. It’s a delightful hybrid between chili and salsa, rich with beans, corn, and spices.
As it simmers, the aroma will fill your home with the essence of a lively fiesta. Once ready, top it with creamy avocado and crispy tortilla strips for an added crunch.
This soup is not only nourishing but also versatile; serve it as a hearty main or a comforting appetizer. It’s a burst of Mexican flair in every spoonful.
9. Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls
Salsa verde chicken burrito bowls are a vibrant addition to any summer menu. With chicken, salsa verde, corn, and beans, this dish is as colorful as it is flavorful.
Spoon the mixture over rice or quinoa, and garnish with a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro for a meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Perfect for outdoor gatherings or a quiet night in, these bowls are a celebration of summer flavors and effortless cooking. The crockpot ensures everything melds together beautifully, creating a dish to remember.
10. Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs
Turn your meal into a tropical luau with Hawaiian BBQ meatballs. Frozen meatballs slowly absorb the rich flavors of BBQ sauce and sweet pineapple chunks.
Serve them over jasmine rice, or skewer them as a delightful appetizer at your next summer party.
The balance of sweet and savory makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both kids and adults. It’s an easy way to bring a taste of the islands to your table without leaving home.
11. Italian Zucchini Boats Filling
Transform your kitchen into an Italian trattoria with zucchini boats filled with a rich beef or lentil tomato mixture. The crockpot does the heavy lifting, creating a savory filling that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
Once ready, scoop the mixture into fresh zucchini boats, then bake or broil them quickly for a delightful finish.
Top with cheese and fresh herbs for a dish that feels indulgent yet light. Perfect for a summer evening, these boats offer a fun and creative way to enjoy seasonal produce.
12. Street Corn Chicken
Capture the spirit of street food with this vibrant street corn chicken. Shredded chicken is mixed with sweet corn, zesty lime, chili powder, and a creamy sauce reminiscent of elote.
This dish delivers bold flavors and a touch of heat, perfect for those who love a bit of spice.
Serve it as a main dish or as a topping for tacos or salads. It’s a playful and delicious way to enjoy the tastes of summer, bringing a festive flair to your dining table.
13. Crockpot Ratatouille
Ratatouille in a crockpot brings the rustic charm of the French countryside to your kitchen. Eggplant, tomatoes, squash, and herbs meld together into a comforting dish with rich, earthy flavors.
Serve it as a side dish or over crusty bread for a hearty meal. The slow cooker enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a dish that’s both simple and elegant.
Perfect for a summer gathering, ratatouille is a timeless classic that embodies the essence of fresh, seasonal cooking.
14. Thai Peanut Chicken
Thai peanut chicken brings exotic flavors to your table with minimal effort. Coconut milk and peanut butter create a creamy, aromatic sauce that envelopes tender chicken pieces.
Serve it over rice noodles or in lettuce wraps for a light yet satisfying meal.
This dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, capturing the vibrant essence of Thai cuisine. It’s perfect for those who crave something a little different, bringing a taste of adventure to your summer dining.
15. Baja Fish Taco Bowls
Baja fish taco bowls redefine the possibilities of your slow cooker. White fish poaches gently in citrus and spices, creating a flavorful base for these bowls.
Flake the fish into bowls with a colorful slaw and a drizzle of creamy sauce for a dish that feels both indulgent and light.
Perfect for casual dining or entertaining, these bowls bring the essence of coastal living to your home. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional fish tacos, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.
16. Summer Veggie Pasta Sauce
Celebrate summer’s bounty with a veggie pasta sauce that’s as vibrant as the season itself. Tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, and basil simmer all day, creating a sauce that’s both rich and fresh.
Toss it with your favorite pasta or spoon it over grilled eggplant for a delicious meal that highlights the best of summer produce.
This sauce is perfect for those looking to enjoy a lighter, plant-based dish that’s full of flavor. It’s a simple pleasure that brings joy to every table.
17. BBQ Chickpea Sandwiches
Enjoy a vegetarian delight with BBQ chickpea sandwiches. Chickpeas slowly cook in a smoky BBQ sauce, transforming into a hearty filling that’s perfect for buns.
Top with crunchy slaw for a contrast of textures and flavors. This is a dish that proves meat is optional when it comes to delicious BBQ.
Ideal for picnics or casual gatherings, these sandwiches offer a unique twist on a summer staple. They’re satisfying, flavorful, and entirely plant-based, making them a win for everyone at the table.
18. Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
End your meal on a sweet note with a peach cobbler dump cake. Canned peaches, boxed cake mix, and butter come together in the crockpot to create a dessert that’s golden, gooey, and utterly delightful.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat that captures the essence of summer.
It’s a simple dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on a quiet evening, this cobbler is a nod to classic comfort food with a summer twist.