5 Easy Summer Crock Pot Recipes for Busy Days

Beat the heat this summer with these five simple and delicious crock pot recipes! Perfect for those lazy days when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, these dishes will keep you cool while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction. No fuss, just throw everything in the pot and let it do the work for you!

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Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken

Get ready to enjoy a burst of flavor with this Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe. The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a delightful taste that makes this dish perfect for summer. It’s simple to prepare, allowing you to throw everything into the crock pot and let it do the work for you.

This chicken is juicy, tangy, and pairs well with a variety of sides, from rice to fresh salads. Plus, it’s a hit among both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
3. Add Lemon Slices: Top the chicken with lemon slices and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve: Shred the chicken if desired, and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Quinoa and Veggie Stew

If you’re looking for a fresh and nutritious dish this summer, try Mediterranean Quinoa and Veggie Stew. This recipe combines the delightful flavors of Mediterranean vegetables and quinoa, making it both a healthy and satisfying meal. It’s incredibly simple to make, perfect for those busy afternoons when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

The stew is packed with vibrant colors and tastes that remind you of sun-soaked days. The combination of bell peppers, olives, and herbs creates a refreshing dish that you can enjoy warm or at room temperature. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker. Stir well to mix everything together.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the quinoa is fluffy and all the vegetables are tender.
3. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm or let it cool for a refreshing salad!

Peach BBQ Ribs

Peach BBQ ribs are a delicious summer dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors, making them a perfect choice for any barbecue gathering. The juicy ribs, infused with peach sauce, create a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, using a crock pot makes preparation a breeze—simply toss in your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work!

This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal active cooking time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with family and friends. The tender meat practically falls off the bone, and the peach BBQ sauce adds a unique twist that sets these ribs apart from traditional recipes. Get ready to impress your guests!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork ribs
• 1 cup peach preserves
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs: Season the pork ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine peach preserves, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add to Crock Pot: Place the seasoned ribs in the crock pot and pour the peach BBQ sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender.
5. Serve: Once cooked, remove the ribs from the crock pot and brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

Spicy shrimp tacos are a fantastic way to enjoy summer flavors while keeping things simple. The shrimp cook perfectly in the crock pot, absorbing a mix of spices that bring out their natural sweetness. Paired with a crunchy slaw, these tacos are a tasty treat that’s light yet satisfying.

This recipe is easy to whip up, making it a go-to for summer gatherings. Just season the shrimp, let them cook for a few hours, and assemble the tacos with fresh toppings. Everyone will love the spicy kick and the refreshing crunch!

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
2. Cook in the Crock Pot: Place the seasoned shrimp in the crock pot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the shrimp are cooked through.
3. Make the Slaw: In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cabbage and carrots with mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper until combined.
4. Warm the Tortillas: Lightly heat the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave until warm.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each tortilla with the spicy shrimp and top with the slaw. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tropical Mango Pulled Pork

Tropical Mango Pulled Pork brings a burst of flavor to your summer meals. This dish perfectly marries the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the savory richness of pulled pork, creating a delightful balance that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to make in your crock pot, letting you focus on enjoying sunny days rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

With vibrant colors and tropical taste, this pulled pork is great for summer gatherings or casual dinners. Serve it on buns, over rice, or even in tacos for a fun twist! You can easily customize the spice level to suit your taste, making it a hit for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the pork shoulder in the crock pot. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground cumin.
2. Add the diced mango, pineapple chunks, sliced bell pepper, and onion on top of the pork.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Pour this mixture over the pork and vegetables.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
5. Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks and stir everything together. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve as desired!

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