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The slow cooker isn’t just for soups and winter stews. In the summer, it’s a lifesaver—you get all the flavor of a slow-cooked meal without heating up your kitchen.
Whether you’re prepping dinner before a beach day or just want to keep things easy, these slow cooker recipes are light, seasonal, and full of flavor.
From BBQ-style mains to veggie-packed sides and even a few lighter soups, this list is all about summer food made simple.
1. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Chicken breasts slow cooked in BBQ sauce until tender and easy to shred. Serve on buns with slaw or over baked potatoes.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice to cut the sweetness and brighten the flavor.
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe
2. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken thighs simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce, shredded, and served in crisp lettuce leaves with chopped veggies.
Olivia’s Tip
Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce after cooking for a less messy, more flavorful wrap.
Get the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe
3. Slow Cooker Veggie-Packed Ratatouille
Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes slow cooked with olive oil and herbs for a light and rustic summer dish.
Olivia’s Tip
Serve over rice or with crusty bread—it makes a great meatless main or side.
Get the Slow Cooker Veggie-Packed Ratatouille recipe
4. Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob
Place husked corn in the slow cooker with butter, herbs, and a splash of water. It cooks up juicy and tender without boiling.
Olivia’s Tip
Add parmesan and garlic before serving for a quick flavor upgrade.
Get the Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob recipe
5. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Chicken thighs simmered with pineapple chunks, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a sweet-savory meal.
Olivia’s Tip
Serve over coconut rice or with grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.
Get the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken recipe
6. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Sliders
Ground beef or turkey slow cooked with a tangy tomato-based sauce. Perfect on mini buns for cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Olivia’s Tip
Toast the slider buns before serving to help them hold up to the saucy filling.
Get the Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Sliders recipe
7. Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers filled with a mix of ground meat, rice, and summer veggies, slow cooked until tender.
Olivia’s Tip
Use colorful peppers for a prettier presentation and slightly different sweetness.
Get the Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe
8. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken thighs are slow-cooked with lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and a touch of butter for a bright, simple dinner.
Olivia’s Tip
Serve with couscous or a chilled pasta salad for a complete summer-friendly plate.
Get the Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe
9. Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna
Layers of zucchini, marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella are cooked into a veggie-forward version of lasagna.
Olivia’s Tip
Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to keep the dish from getting too watery.
Get the Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna recipe
10. Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Bowls
Chicken breasts slow cooked with salsa, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Shred and serve over rice or salad greens.
Olivia’s Tip
Let everyone build their own bowl—set out toppings like avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Get the Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Bowls recipe
11. Slow Cooker Summer Minestrone
A lighter take on classic minestrone with summer squash, green beans, tomatoes, and pasta in a veggie broth.
Olivia’s Tip
Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes to keep it from overcooking.
Get the Slow Cooker Summer Minestrone recipe
12. Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans
A hearty summer side made with beans, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, onions, and spices. Let them simmer low and slow for deep flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Use canned beans to save time, but rinse them well to control the salt level.
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans recipe
13. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos
Chicken breasts slow cooked with salsa verde, garlic, and cumin. Shred and serve in tortillas with fresh toppings.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale in the last 15 minutes for a quick nutrient boost.
Get the Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos recipe
14. Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
Shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage cooked in seasoned broth. A classic summer meal made easy.
Olivia’s Tip
Add the shrimp in the last 20 minutes—they cook fast and stay tender this way.
Get the Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil recipe
15. Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler
Sliced peaches layered with a simple oat or biscuit topping, slow cooked until bubbly and golden.
Olivia’s Tip
Serve warm with vanilla yogurt or ice cream for an easy summer dessert.
