Spend time on the porch, not in the kitchen!
If you live a busy life, the slow cooker should be one of your best friends (at least in the kitchen anyway.) If you don’t have one, you should definitely consider it. Not only is it capable of reducing cooking-related stress, but it also provides us with some pretty incredible and flavorful meals. Many people are under the impression that the crock pot is a Wintertime appliance for soups and stews, however, this couldn’t be farther from the truth! You can use the slow cooker to prepare yummy, healthy recipes all year long! These 21 slow cooker meals will make your life easier, and enable you to enjoy your Summer days!
Take it Easy this Summer
All that you typically need to do is load the ingredients into the crock pot in the morning and turn it on! Your healthy dinner will be ready and waiting when you walk in the door that evening. These meals are smart options too, so whether you’re spending the day at the office or visiting the local amusement park, you’ll be able to come home to a warm, nutritious meal!
We’ve included healthed-up versions of comfort food classics, like barbecue pulled pork, chicken tacos, “fried” chicken, and more! There are also some new ideas on the list! We love the Summertime heat, but sometimes it’s just too hot to grill. If you feel like staying in, these slow cooker recipes are sure to do the trick.
21 Slow Cooker Meals for Summer
1. Slow Cooker Everything Beef
We love versatile beef recipes like this one; it’s delicious served as an entrée, or it can be used in tacos or sandwiches. This recipe also freezes well for easy dinners on super-busy days.
2. Slow Cooker Southern Fried Chicken
The ultimate comfort food, this healthy fried chicken recipe is made with whole wheat flour, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and low-fat buttermilk.
3. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken
Spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, and more make this one of those slow cooker meals you’ll love to savor in the summertime.
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
This healthy enchilada recipe is a Skinny Ms. fan favorite. Add it to the menu this week to discover why!
5. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Enchiladas
Looking for a vegetarian friendly option? Search no further! This vegetable-based enchiladas recipe will give you all the flavor you love, minus the meat!
6. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Our super-simple taco recipe incorporates clean-eating ingredients you’ll feel fab about serving to yourself and family.
7. Barbecued Beans and Chicken Joes
Slash the fat on this American classic and devour one (or two) of these “healthified” BBQ beans and chicken joes!
8. Slow Cooker Spicy Barbecued Chicken
Comfort foods can be healthy when you make slow cooker meals like this BBQ recipe.
9. Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Remix
Remix, huh? This sweet and tangy twist combines barbecue sauce with homemade Italian dressing. Hey, don’t knock it till you try it!
10. Slow Cooker Sticky Garlic Chicken
Fall-off-the-bone chicken is an appetite-satisfier any time of year. Pair this healthy recipe idea with whole grain rice for a delish entrée.
11. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
This tasty fix-it-and-forget-it meal is always a crowd-pleaser. You can’t go wrong!
12. Slow Cooker Everything Chicken
Use this versatile recipe as the base for chicken tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more.
13. Slow Cooker Take Out Beef and Broccoli
Try this healthy version of one of our favorite Chinese takeout meals during your next at-home movie marathon!
14. 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork for Two
Cooking for two? This super simple, 5 ingredient recipe is loaded with wonderful BBQ flavors and textures.
15. Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Enjoy the Asian-cuisine taste you want without the extra fat or calories.
16. Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
Chicken combines with superfoods pineapple and red bell pepper for a sweet and savory addition to the summer menu.
17. Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes
Convenient and yummy, this family-friendly recipe is waistline-friendly, too.
18. Slow Cooker Polynesian Chicken
Health up typical chicken-and-rice fare with a whole-food recipe packed with nutrition–and tastiness.
19. Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Satay
Spice up your Summer night with this low-calorie Thai favorite!
20. Slow Cooker Cheesy Spaghetti with Homemade Sausage
Don’t stand over a stove when you can prepare summer slow cooker dishes like this family-friendly recipe, which is as nutritious as it is delicious.
21. Slow Cooker Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
This leaner dinner recipe is a fantastic option for meatball subs—simply scoop them into a whole wheat roll.
Which one of these 21 Slow Cooker Recipes for Summer are you looking forward to trying most? Have you tried any already? Tell us about it in the comment section!
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