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Summer Crockpot Recipes — Dinners That Basically Cook Themselves

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Proteins: Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, pork shoulder (butt), large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined), canned chickpeas or white beans.
  • Seasonings and sauces: Kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce (optional), honey, brown sugar.
  • Aromatics: Yellow onion, fresh garlic, fresh ginger (optional), scallions.
  • Citrus and acids: Limes, lemons, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar.
  • Liquids: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, canned crushed tomatoes, coconut milk (unsweetened), tomato paste.
  • Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, summer squash, cherry tomatoes, corn (fresh or frozen), baby potatoes, eggplant, spinach or kale.
  • Fresh herbs: Cilantro, basil, parsley, dill (choose what fits your dish).
  • Serving basics: Tortillas, rice, quinoa, crusty bread, salad greens, slaw mix, yogurt or sour cream.
  • Extras for finishing: Olive oil, butter, lime zest, hot sauce, feta or cotija cheese.

Method
 

  1. Citrus Chicken Tacos Add to the crockpot: 2 lbs chicken thighs, 1 sliced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, juice of 2 limes, and 1/2 cup chicken broth.
  2. Cook on Low 4–6 hours or High 2–3 hours until the chicken shreds easily.
  3. Shred, then stir in a handful of chopped cilantro and a splash more lime juice.
  4. Serve with warm tortillas, slaw, avocado, and hot sauce.
  5. Garden Ratatouille Add: 1 eggplant (cubed), 2 zucchini (sliced), 1 bell pepper (chopped), 1 onion (sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil.
  6. Cook on Low 5–6 hours or High 3–4 hours until tender but not mushy.
  7. Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Adjust salt and add a squeeze of lemon.
  8. Serve with crusty bread, over polenta, or with grilled fish or chicken.
  9. Summer Pulled Pork (Sweet Heat) Rub a 3–4 lb pork shoulder with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
  10. Add to the crockpot with 1 sliced onion, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup broth, and 2 tbsp honey. Optional: 1 tsp fish sauce for umami.
  11. Cook on Low 8–9 hours or High 5–6 hours until it falls apart.
  12. Shred, then simmer uncovered on High 10–15 minutes to reduce juices. Stir in a little lime juice.
  13. Serve on buns with crunchy slaw or over rice with grilled corn.
  14. Zesty Coconut Lime Shrimp Add to crockpot: 1 can coconut milk, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, zest and juice of 1 lime, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  15. Cook the sauce on Low 2 hours to meld flavors.
  16. Add 1.5 lbs raw shrimp. Cook on High 20–30 minutes, just until pink and opaque.
  17. Stir in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve over rice with steamed veggies.