Hey there, fellow summer enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, when the heat kicks in, the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove. That’s where my love for summer crockpot recipes comes in! They’re a total lifesaver for quick meal prep, letting you enjoy all those vibrant summer flavors without heating up the kitchen. Just toss everything in and let the magic happen while you sip your iced tea on the porch!
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a busy weekday, these recipes are perfect for keeping things simple and delicious. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the smell of savory chicken and spices wafting through the house while you’re lounging outside. Plus, when it’s time to eat, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to go, leaving you more time to soak up the sun. Let’s dive into the deliciousness of summer crockpot recipes and make the most of this sunny season together!
Ingredients for Summer Crockpot Recipes
- 2 lbs of chicken breasts
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1 cup of corn (frozen or fresh, your choice!)
- 1 cup of black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Summer Crockpot Recipes
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—putting everything together! I promise this is super simple and totally rewarding. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious summer meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your trusty crockpot! Place the 2 lbs of chicken breasts right at the bottom. Don’t worry about cutting them up; they’ll get tender and shreddable as they cook.
- Next, it’s time to add the flavor! Pour in the 1 cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken. This is where the magic begins! Then, toss in the 1 cup of corn, 1 cup of black beans, 1 red bell pepper (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), and 2 cloves of garlic (minced). Just look at those colors—so vibrant!
- Now, sprinkle the 1 tsp of cumin and 1 tsp of chili powder on top. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This will really amp up the flavor!
- Grab a spoon and give everything a good stir. You want to make sure the chicken is coated in that delicious sauce and all the veggies are evenly distributed.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook! If you’re using the low setting, let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting will do the job in about 3-4 hours. Just remember, the longer you let it cook on low, the more tender and flavorful it gets!
- When it’s almost time to eat, check the chicken. It should be super tender and easy to shred. Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the crockpot. It’s so satisfying!
And that’s it! You’ve just made an amazing summer crockpot dish without breaking a sweat. Serve it up and enjoy the time saved for more summer fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—just toss everything in and walk away!
- Full of vibrant summer flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and corn.
- No need to heat up the kitchen, keeping your home cool and comfortable.
- Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers for days!
- Customizable to your taste; add your favorite veggies or switch up the spices.
- Great for gatherings—serve it at BBQs or potlucks, and watch it disappear!
Tips for Success
To make sure your summer crockpot recipe turns out absolutely fabulous, I’ve got a few pro tips to share! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can take your dish from good to spectacular!
- Adjust the spice level: If you like a little kick, feel free to add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños. Start small, though—it’s easier to add more heat than to tone it down!
- Cook times matter: Everyone’s crockpot is a little different. If you’re using a newer model, keep an eye on it the first time you make this. It may cook faster than you expect! Check the chicken around the 3-hour mark on high or 5 hours on low.
- Fresh herbs for finishing: Just before serving, consider adding a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. It elevates the dish and adds that fresh summer vibe!
- Don’t rush the shredding: When it’s time to shred the chicken, let it cool for a few minutes first. It makes it easier to handle and prevents burning your fingers. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak a taste!
- Make it your own: Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like zucchini or yellow squash. The crockpot is super forgiving, so experiment and find your favorite combinations!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious summer dish that’s sure to impress. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful summer crockpot dish, let’s talk about how to serve it up and really make it shine! This recipe is super versatile, and there are so many delicious ways to enjoy it.
One of my favorite ways to serve this chicken is over a bed of fluffy rice. It soaks up all that tasty barbecue sauce, and the combo of flavors is just out of this world! You could also opt for warm tortillas—just imagine rolling up that savory filling for a tasty wrap. Yum!
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving. A little sharp cheddar or creamy Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds an extra layer of richness to each bite. Trust me, it takes this dish to a whole new level!
For a fresh twist, consider adding a side of coleslaw for crunch or some avocado slices for creaminess. You could even whip up a quick corn salsa to pair with it. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about what suits your summer vibe!
So gather your friends and family, serve up this fantastic dish, and enjoy the flavors of summer together. You won’t be disappointed!
Nutritional Information
As you dive into this delicious summer crockpot recipe, it’s always nice to know what’s in it, right? Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving, just to keep you informed while you enjoy all those delightful flavors:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these values are an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, this dish is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy option to enjoy during those hot summer days!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using frozen chicken breasts is perfectly fine. Just remember to increase the cooking time a bit, especially if you’re cooking on low. It will usually take about 8-10 hours on low, and around 4-5 hours on high. Just make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature!
What if I don’t have black beans?
No worries at all! You can swap them out for other beans like kidney beans or pinto beans. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. The crockpot is super forgiving!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just substitute the chicken with your favorite protein like tempeh or tofu, or even just load it up with more veggies. You might want to add some vegetable broth instead of barbecue sauce for a lighter flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. It’s perfect for meal prep throughout the week!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely double the recipe! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold everything. If it’s too full, it might not cook evenly. Also, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on it!
Summer Crockpot Recipes: 6 Easy Dishes to Beat the Heat
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A collection of easy summer recipes made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of chicken breasts
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1 cup of corn
- 1 cup of black beans
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add barbecue sauce, corn, black beans, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or tortillas.
- Can add cheese on top if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: summer crockpot recipes
