Summer, with its radiant sun and long, languid days, heralds a time for enjoying fresh, vibrant meals, lively outdoor picnics, and cozy backyard barbecues. Yet, the thought of sweltering in front of a hot stove or oven can dampen even the most enthusiastic cook’s spirit. If you’re eager to keep your kitchen cool and stress-free, you can find innovative summer crockpot recipes that allow you to maximize the season’s leisure with an online search right now.
Shutterstock: Food Via LensesRefreshing Start: Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
The bright citrusy flavor of lemon already pairs perfectly with summer. When you combine it with the depth of garlic, this crockpot chicken dinner becomes a revelation. 1
Layer the bottom of your crockpot with boneless chicken breasts. Rub oregano, salt, and pepper into the chicken and then mix in lemon juice, water, and garlic. Cook on low for six hours and you will have tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect with a light summer salad or on its own.
Savory Delight: Summer Corn Chowder
Nothing screams summer like fresh corn. For a soup that is both hearty and light, try a summer corn chowder recipe that will leave your family swooning.
Combine fresh corn kernels, diced potatoes, chopped bell pepper, and onions in your crockpot. Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, and let it simmer on low heat for seven hours. Just before serving, stir in some half-and-half for creaminess. This chowder brings the taste of summer in every bite.
A Perfect Fusion: Shredded Beef Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
Tacos are a favorite all year round, but the addition of a fruity salsa gives it a summery twist. Place a beef roast in your crockpot and add lime, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for eight hours, then shred the beef.
For the salsa, mix diced mango, diced avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. Load the beef onto your tortillas, top with salsa, and voila, a summer feast awaits. 2
Exotic Entrée: Hawaiian Chicken
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with a Hawaiian chicken recipe. Place chicken breasts in your crockpot, pour a concoction of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic over them.
Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks, then cook on low for five to six hours. Serve this sweet and tangy delight with jasmine rice for a fulfilling meal that’s sure to be a hit.
Sweet Ending: Peach Cobbler
Desserts don’t have to be complicated. This crockpot peach cobbler lets you enjoy the sweet peaches of summer without breaking a sweat. In your crockpot, combine sliced fresh peaches, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk to make the cobbler batter. Spoon this over the peaches, cover, and cook on high for two hours. There are a variety of ways to make this delicious dessert, but the result always pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream. 3
Light and Fresh: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a versatile and healthy grain that adds a pleasant texture to your summer meals. To make this salad, rinse quinoa under cold water and place it in your crockpot. Add vegetable broth and cook on low for about three hours until fluffy.
In a separate bowl, combine diced cucumber, arugula, red bell peppers, feta cheese, red onions, and freshly chopped parsley. Mix cooked quinoa with these ingredients and dress with a vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a refreshing side that sings of summer. 4
A Taste of the Sea: Crockpot Shrimp Boil
Embrace the flavors of the sea with a simple shrimp boil. Place baby potatoes, andouille sausage, corn on the cob, and whole unpeeled shrimp into your crockpot. Pour in a mixture of chicken broth, beer, Old Bay seasoning, and minced garlic. Cook on high for three hours.
When done, drain the liquid and serve the shrimp boil on a platter with fresh lemon slices and melted butter. It’s a flavorful dish that brings the beach to your backyard.
Sweet and Spicy: Slow Cooker Pineapple Pulled Pork
Pineapple pulled pork balances sweet, spicy, and tangy in one delightful dish. Place a pork shoulder in your crockpot. Combine pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and chili flakes, and pour over the pork.
Cook on low for eight hours until the pork is tender and easy to shred. Serve this on soft rolls with coleslaw for a meal that’s perfect for those warm summer evenings. The sweet and spicy twist is sure to add some excitement to your summer meals.
Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Embrace the joy of summer cooking with these crockpot recipes. They not only keep your kitchen cool but also allow more time to enjoy the sunny outdoors.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or planning a quiet family dinner, these dishes promise a summer full of flavor and fun. Remember, the key is using fresh, seasonal produce to make the most of these recipes. Happy cooking and happy summer!
