Keep Your Kitchen Cool: My Favorite Summer Slow Cooker Meals

Hi friends! I’m so excited to share my favorite summer crockpot recipes with you today! When the weather gets hot, the last thing I want to do is turn on my oven. That’s when my trusty slow cooker becomes my summer hero!

These recipes are perfect for busy summer days when you’re having fun at the pool or playing outside with your kids. Just add your ingredients in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a yummy meal ready to eat! Plus, using your crockpot means your kitchen stays nice and cool.

I’ve included all kinds of easy summer crockpot recipes that my family loves, along with some of my favorite kitchen tools that make cooking even simpler. And don’t forget to grab my Free Recipe Planner to help organize your weekly meals!

Why Summer and Slow Cookers Are a Perfect Match

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Many people think crockpots are just for winter, but they’re actually perfect for summer cooking too! Here’s why I love using my slow cooker during hot months:

• Your kitchen stays cool and comfortable
• You can enjoy outdoor fun while dinner cooks itself
• Less cleanup means more time for summer activities
• Great for feeding hungry kids home from summer activities
• Perfect for making meals ahead for beach days or picnics

Using your crockpot in summer means you can have a hot, homemade dinner without heating up your house. It’s like having your own personal chef while you enjoy all the summer fun!

15 Must-Try Summer Crockpot Recipes

1. Pineapple BBQ Pulled Chicken

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This sweet and tangy chicken is perfect for summer sandwiches, tacos, or salads! The tropical pineapple flavor makes it feel like a vacation in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Steps:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
2. Mix all other ingredients in a bowl.
3. Pour mixture over chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours.
5. Shred chicken with two forks and mix with sauce.

Kitchen Helper: My favorite meat shredders make pulling this chicken apart super easy and fast!

2. Summer Vegetable Soup

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This healthy summer crockpot recipe is loaded with fresh garden veggies. It’s light but filling and perfect for using up your farmers’ market finds!

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchini, diced
• 2 yellow squash, diced
• 1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Add all vegetables to the crockpot.
2. Pour in broth and add seasonings.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours.
4. Stir before serving.

Kitchen Helper: This vegetable chopper saves me so much prep time!

3. Lemon Garlic Whole Chicken

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One of my favorite summer crockpot recipes for dinner that tastes like it was oven-roasted but won’t heat up your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
• 2 lemons, one sliced and one juiced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, quartered

Steps:

1. Mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs in a small bowl.
2. Rub mixture all over chicken.
3. Place onion and lemon slices inside and around chicken in crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken reaches 165°F.

Kitchen Helper: I use this meat thermometer to make sure my chicken is perfectly cooked!

4. Fresh Corn and Potato Chowder

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This creamy summer soup uses fresh corn and is lighter than winter chowders but still so satisfying!

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, kernels cut off
• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half (added at end)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Add corn, potatoes, onion, celery, and seasonings to crockpot.
2. Pour in broth.
3. Cook on low for 5 hours.
4. Stir in half-and-half during last 30 minutes.

Kitchen Helper: This corn kernel remover tool makes prepping fresh corn so easy!

5. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers

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These vegetarian summer crockpot recipes are colorful, healthy, and perfect for using garden peppers!

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeded
• 1½ cups cooked rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup shredded cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning

Steps:

1. Mix rice, beans, corn, cheese, onion, half the tomatoes, and seasoning.
2. Stuff mixture into peppers.
3. Place peppers in crockpot.
4. Pour remaining tomatoes around peppers.
5. Cook on low for 4 hours.
6. Add extra cheese on top before serving.

Kitchen Helper: This rice cooker makes perfect rice every time for stuffed peppers!

6. Hawaiian Chicken Tacos

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These summer crockpot recipes chicken tacos bring tropical flavors to taco night!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Tortillas, coleslaw, and cilantro for serving

Steps:

1. Place chicken in crockpot.
2. Mix remaining ingredients (except toppings) and pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 5 hours.
4. Shred chicken and serve on tortillas with coleslaw and cilantro.

Kitchen Helper: These taco holders make serving these delicious tacos so much fun!

7. Summer Berry Cobbler

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Yes, your crockpot can make amazing summer desserts too! This cobbler uses fresh berries for a sweet treat.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• ½ cup butter, melted
• Vanilla ice cream for serving

Steps:

1. Place berries in crockpot and sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice.
2. Pour dry cake mix over berries.
3. Drizzle melted butter over cake mix.
4. Cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Serve warm with ice cream.

Kitchen Helper: This ice cream scoop makes perfect scoops for topping your cobbler!

8. Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables

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This healthy summer crockpot recipe is full of fresh veggies and bright flavors!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Crumbled feta cheese for serving

Steps:

1. Place chicken in crockpot.
2. Add all vegetables, olives, and garlic.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with seasoning.
4. Cook on low for 5 hours.
5. Serve topped with feta cheese.

Kitchen Helper: This garlic press makes mincing garlic quick and easy!

9. Salsa Chicken for Tacos

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This quick and easy summer crockpot recipe is perfect for taco Tuesday or any busy weeknight!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
• 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• Taco shells, lettuce, cheese, sour cream for serving

Steps:

1. Place chicken in crockpot.
2. Mix salsa, taco seasoning, corn, and beans.
3. Pour mixture over chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4 hours.
5. Shred chicken and serve with taco fixings.

Kitchen Helper: This avocado slicer is perfect for preparing avocados for your tacos!

10. Peach BBQ Meatballs

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These summer crockpot recipes for parties are always a hit at gatherings and potlucks!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup peach preserves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

1. Place frozen meatballs in crockpot.
2. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl.
3. Pour sauce over meatballs.
4. Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with toothpicks.

Kitchen Helper: These fancy toothpicks make serving appetizers look extra special!

11. Creamy Ranch Chicken

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This summer dump and go crockpot recipe is creamy, delicious, and needs just 5 ingredients!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

Steps:

1. Place chicken in crockpot.
2. Mix remaining ingredients (except cream cheese) and pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 5 hours.
4. Add cream cheese and cook 1 more hour.
5. Shred chicken and serve over rice or pasta.

Kitchen Helper: This soup ladle is perfect for serving this creamy chicken dish!

12. Summer Ratatouille

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This vegetarian summer crockpot recipe uses the best of summer produce for a colorful side dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant, cubed
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon herbs de Provence
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Add all vegetables to crockpot.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and add seasonings.
3. Pour in tomatoes.
4. Cook on low for 4 hours.
5. Stir before serving.

Kitchen Helper: This herb scissors makes cutting fresh herbs for garnish super easy!

13. Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

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These summer crockpot recipes for families are finger-licking good and perfect for backyard picnics or game nights!

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds chicken wings
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced

Steps:

1. Place the chicken wings in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the wings, making sure they’re well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. If possible, toss the wings halfway through to ensure they’re evenly coated in the sauce.
5. Once cooked, transfer the wings to a serving platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions.

Serving Suggestions:

• Perfect as an appetizer or main dish!
• Serve with a side of rice or fresh veggies for a complete meal.

Kitchen Helper: These silicone tongs make handling the wings so much easier and safer!

Enjoy these sticky, sweet, and savory wings—they’re a summer crowd-pleaser! 🐔✨

14. Lemony Greek Chicken

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This healthy summer slow cooker recipe tastes fresh and light, perfect for warm evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• Feta cheese and fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix broth, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and thyme.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Add tomatoes, olives, and onions.
5. Cook on low for 6 hours.
6. Top with feta cheese and parsley before serving.

Kitchen Helper: This lemon squeezer makes juicing lemons a breeze!

15. Summer Succotash

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This vegetarian summer crockpot recipe is a colorful side dish that’s perfect with grilled meats or as a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen lima beans
• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

1. Add all vegetables to the crockpot.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours.
4. Stir and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Kitchen Helper: This vegetable dicer makes prepping veggies so quick and uniform!

Planning and Preparation Tips

Here are some simple tips to make your summer crockpot recipes even easier:

• Prep ahead: Chop veggies and measure ingredients the night before. Store them in labeled containers in the fridge.
• Use your freezer: Double the recipe and freeze half for another busy day.
• Organize recipes: Use my Free Recipe Planner to organize your meal ideas and shopping lists.
• Line your crockpot: Use slow cooker liners for easy cleanup after cooking.
• Set a timer: If you’ll be away all day, use a programmable crockpot to avoid overcooking.

Smart Shopping Tips for Summer Crockpot Meals

Shopping for ingredients doesn’t have to be stressful! Here’s how to shop smart:

• Buy in bulk: Stock up on pantry staples like rice, beans, and spices when they’re on sale.
• Choose seasonal produce: Summer is the best time to grab fresh veggies like zucchini, corn, and peppers at lower prices.
• Freeze extras: Buy extra berries or chicken on sale and freeze them for future meals.
• Use labels: Keep your pantry organized with reusable labels.
• Plan meals: Use my Free Recipe Planner to create a shopping list and stick to it!

Must-Have Tools for Summer Crockpot Cooking

These kitchen tools make cooking summer crockpot meals a breeze:

• Slow Cooker Liners: Say goodbye to scrubbing with these easy liners.
• Meat Shredder Claws: Perfect for pulling apart chicken or pork with these shredder claws.
• Vegetable Chopper: Save time on prep with this handy chopper.
• Silicone Tongs: Safe for nonstick surfaces and perfect for serving with these tongs.
• Programmable Crockpot: Cook on your schedule with this smart crockpot.

Related Recipes to Try

If you loved these summer crockpot recipes, here are a few more ideas to explore:

• Summer Pasta Salads
• Grilled Veggie Skewers
• No-Bake Summer Desserts
• Cold Soups for Hot Days

Let’s Chat and Share!

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I hope you enjoy these easy summer crockpot recipes as much as I do! Let me know in the comments:

• Which recipe are you most excited to try?
• Do you have a favorite summer crockpot meal to share?

Don’t forget to pin this post to your Pinterest boards so you can come back to these recipes all summer long. Happy cooking, friends!

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