From Barbecue to Desserts: 26 Delicious Summer Recipes You Can Make in a Crockpot

Image showing 26 delicious summer crockpot recipes

I don’t know about you, but simply thinking of turning on the oven during a hot month of summer is enough to literally put me in a mental coma. Don’t even talk to me about using my oven, just turning on the stove to grill something is enough to make me sweat! But at the same time, I’m also the type to get quickly tired of eating salads, cold soups or sandwiches for both lunch and dinner. So that’s what brings us to today’s topic: crockpot recipes that are perfect for summer! 

Not only you won’t have to suffer in the smoldering heat by cooking next to a source of heat, but a crockpot also makes it easier to cook. You just have to put everything together in the pot and let it work its magic for a couple of hours. So if you’re ready for it, let’s discover together some banging recipes that you can start making this season! 

One last thing, if you have yet to get yourself a crockpot but are considering getting one, I strongly advise you to take a look at our list of top Crock Pots & Slow Cookers under $100 that are as budget-friendly as efficient! 

1. Slow Cooker BBQ-Pulled Chicken

Image of bbq pulled chicken made in a crockpot perfect for summer

You are not going to be able to resist the aroma of this tender, slow-cooked BBQ-pulled chicken. Imagine coming home to the savory scent wafting through your kitchen, promising a mouthwatering meal ahead…yum! It’s perfect for burgers, sandwiches or tacos, and trust me, it’s a literal crow-pleaser! Get the recipe here and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

2. Crockpot Meat Tacos

Image of taco meat made in a crockpot perfect for summer

Who doesn’t love tacos, especially during summer? But not to worry, you won’t have to slave away at the stove to get that succulent meat that is ready to be nested into warm tortillas. Oh no, your taco Tuesdays are going to become a lot easier to plan! Get all the cooking details here and let the flavor fiesta begin!

3. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken 

Image of hawaiian chicken made in a crockpot perfect for summer

Nothing is more reminiscent of summer than this slow cooker Hawaiian chicken. The meat is so tenderized thanks to the sweet and tangy pineapple juice, and I swear you’ll feel like you’re already on vacation! You could serve it with grilled veggies or once again use it with soft burger buns like in this recipe

4. Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings

Image of bbq wings made in a crockpot perfect for summer

There are simply no summer cookouts without BBQ wings! Thanks to your crockpot, you’re going to be sinking your teeth into tender, fall-off-the-bone wings bathed in a sticky, smoky barbecue sauce, leaving your taste buds dancing with delight. Get the recipe here and get ready to take your summer gatherings to the next level with these irresistible wings!

5. Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Image of sweet and sour meatballs made in a crockpot perfect for summer

If you’re a lover of sweet and sour, tangy sauces, this one is for you! You can make them as an appetizer or serve them over rice. In any way, they’re going to be a recipe you’re going to make all summer! Get the recipe here for some sweet and sour goodness.

6. Crockpot Veggie Chili

Image of a veggie chili made in a crockpot perfect for summer

Hear me out, I know that chili or soups are usually better to consume during chilly months of winter, but I swear that this slow-cooked vegetarian chili is going to change your life. You could make it for a potluck or something, but I guarantee you that it’s going to hit the spot. Follow this recipe and savor the rich flavors without holding back! 

7. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

Image of lemon garlic chicken made in a crockpot perfect for summer

Maybe I’m biased, but in my simple, honest opinion, anything with lemon and garlic is bound to be breathtaking. And this zesty slow cooker lemon garlic chicken is sure to brighten up your summer! Just thinking about tender, melting chicken, tangy lemon and aromatic garlic is enough to make me salivate. It’s perfect for light salads, pasta, or roasted veggies. Check out this recipe right here

8. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Image of a teriyaki chicken made in a crockpot perfect for summer

If you haven’t yet tried out Teriyaki chicken made in a crockpot, this may be your chance! Nestle it some lettuce wraps, serve it over rice or with some roasted corn and I can tell you that that bold combination is going to be your favorite crockpot summer recipe!  

9. Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob

Image of corn made in a crockpot perfect for summer

This recipe takes me straight back to my youth when we’d come back from a long day at the beach and stop at the side of the road to grab some freshly cooked corn on the cob. I sometimes cannot handle grilling in the summer heat, so using a crockpot to cook the corb is the perfect way to enjoy some kernels bursting with sweetness and flavor! 

10. Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Image of beef and broccoli made in a crockpot perfect for summer

I would’ve never thought before trying out this recipe that broccoli of all things could taste good after being cooked in a crockpot (because I usually only enjoy it roasted with a lot of garlic and parmesan!), but I swear that this crockpot beef and broccoli is full of crazy flavors! It’s fresh and savory and it’s perfect for summer as well. 

11. Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Dip

Image of mexican street corn dip made in a crockpot perfect for summer

If you are anything like me, you could literally eat dips for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast. Just give me something to dip with and I will be the happiest person ever. So when I discovered this slow cooker Mexican street corn dip recipe, it literally felt like my taste buds found paradise. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips and you’re good to go! 

12. Crockpot Shredded Beef 

Image of shredded beef made in a crockpot perfect for summer

Honestly, while this recipe is perfect for tacos, the shredded beef is slowly cooked to perfection and it’s ready to be piled high on literally any dish of your choosing aside from tacos. During summer, I even serve it directly over fries and cheese, and let me tell you, it’s just so mouthwatering! 

13. Slow Cooker Ratatouille 

Image of ratatouille made in a crockpot perfect for summer

Ratatouille is the best recipe to try out to make use of summer produce! Ripe tomatoes, eggplants, zucchinis, and even bell peppers come together in a colorful (and tasty) medley of flavors! Ditch your oven and try out this recipe in a crockpot, I promise you won’t regret it. 

14. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Image of chicken fajitas made in a crockpot perfect for summer

These slow-cooker chicken fajitas come together so simply in a crockpot! Just dump the ingredients and let that baby work its magic. It’s definitely better than having to stand in front of your stove to cook the chicken fajitas, and it’s a definite bonus if you’re having people over! 

15. Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros

Image of chicken gyros made in a crockpot perfect for summer

I fear that once you start using your crockpot during the summer, you’re no longer going to want to use any other utensil for cooking. This is the case for these Greek gyros where you’ll be slow-cooking the chicken into perfect before serving it on a warm pita bread. Don’t forget the tzatziki for the ultimate touch of freshness! 

16. Crockpot Summer Squash Casserole

Image of summer squash casserole made in a crockpot perfect for summer

We’re once again using up fresh summer ingredients for this casserole that’s made right into your crockpot. This can be served as a hearty side dish or even a main course. Get the recipe here and savor the taste of summer with every spoonful of this delicious casserole.

17. Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs

Image of bbq ribs made in a crockpot perfect for summer

I’ll say it again, there’s no better time for barbecues than summer nights, but it can be tough to get grilling in that heat. If you’re not in the mood for a barbecue, you can still enjoy these same flavors thanks to your crockpot! Go ahead and make these delicious slow-cooker barbecue ribs this summer. 

18. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Image of buffalo chicken dip made in a crockpot perfect for summer

Yes, I’m sneaking in another dip recipe you can make. I just can’t help it, I love dips in the summer! Whether served with crunchy celery sticks or crispy tortilla chips, this crowd-pleasing appetizer is sure to be the star of any summer gathering. Get the recipe for this irresistible dip right here.

19. Slow Cooker Mango Salsa Chicken

Image of mango salsa chicken made in a crockpot perfect for summer

I’m telling you to RUN and go make this vibrant recipe this summer! My mouth is literally watering just thinking of this slow-cooker mango salsa chicken. It’s a literal tropical explosion of savors, but at the same time, it’s so refreshing! Serving it over fluffy coconut rice makes up for a treat!

20. Crockpot Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

Image of stuffed peppers made in a crockpot perfect for summer

I love stuffed peppers, but as I said, in summer, it’s a literal torture for me to light up my oven since it makes my kitchen hot as heck! Instead, I prefer to make this recipe in a crockpot and let it simmer on its own without worrying too much about it. It’s the perfect meal for those sunny days, and you can use up a lot of leftovers to stuff the peppers if you want to. 

21. Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Salmon

Image of lemon herb salmon made in a crockpot perfect for summer

If you’ve never cooked salmon in the crockpot before, now is your chance! Just like any other protein, slow-cooked salmon turns out tender and juicy with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. Don’t worry about it turning out dry, because it’s going to melt in your mouth instead! Serve it with a salad or veggies, and you’ll have a perfect dinner for your summer night planned. 

22. Slow Cooker Caprese Chicken

Image of chicken caprese made in a crockpot perfect for summer

While you may not be going to Italy this summer, with this recipe, your tastebuds are definitely going to celebrate Italian flavors that are fresh and vibrant. This slow-cooker caprese-inspired chicken with its balsamic glaze is a light and flavorful dish that is sure to impress! 

23. Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler

Image of peach cobbler made in a crockpot perfect for summer

Where I’m from, peach is the fruit of summer, and it’s the perfect time to indulge! While I usually make peach cobbler traditionally in an oven, I recently tried it out in a crockpot, and my lazy ass has been illuminated! You get the same delicious dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without having to sweat in a smoldering hot kitchen! 

25. Slow Cooker S’mores Dip

Image of s'mores dip made in a crockpot perfect for summer

What if you could enjoy the nostalgic flavors of summer indoors with this crockpot S’mores dip? The gooey melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows are slow-cooked to perfection for a decadent dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Get your graham crackers ready and savor this simple pleasure of summer with this recipe

26. Crockpot Creole Shrimp

Image of creole shrimp made in a crockpot perfect for summer

I simply cannot share summer recipes without including a shrimp recipe! With some creole seasonings and some garlicky goodness, you can be sure that this crockpot shrimp is a dish that’s to die for. It’s so good with pasta or rice, and it comes together beautifully in a slow cooker. Follow along with this recipe for the perfect summer dinner. 

Image showing 26 delicious summer crockpot recipes

With these mouthwatering recipes in your culinary arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of the summer season. From backyard barbecues to lazy weeknight dinners, let your crockpot do the heavy lifting while you sit back, relax, and savor the flavors of summer. So dust off your crockpot, stock up on seasonal ingredients, and get ready to elevate your summer dining experience to new heights. Cheers to good food, good company, and good times ahead!

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