Summer Crockpot Meals That Keep the Oven Off

Make dinner a breeze with these summer crockpot meals your whole family will love. Keep cool and save time with these must-try recipes today.

It’s official… we’ve gone past the 90 degree mark and of course, once the weather heats up, the last thing we want to be doing is standing over a hot stove or even think about turning on the oven.

With our big families and all the chaos of summer sports, camps, and playdates, having a dinner option that practically makes itself is a legitimate lifesaver, which is why crockpot meals are our go-to during the summer months. Not only are they super convenient, but it helps us be present to hang out with our kids, stay cool, saving money, and be able to serve up something everyone will actually eat.

Let’s break down what makes a great summer crockpot meal, how to get the most out of your slow cooker in the hotter months, and some of our favorite tools and recipe resources that keep things simple and delicious.

Easy Summer Crockpot Meals for Busy Families

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Why Use a Crockpot in the Summer?

Of course, the less time we can spend heating up the kitchen with the oven or stove on is a win-win for everyone, but we love using our crockpot in the summer for a few other key reasons too.

First, it totally cuts down on our dinner prep since we just need a few minutes in the morning to throw everything together, but also it allows us to multitask way easier between errands, pool time, and summer outings. Plus, it’s so easy, we can throw something in any night of the week whether it be a simple dinner idea on the weekday or a family barbecue side dish for the whole crew.

What Makes a Summer Crockpot Recipe Different?

Compared to a traditional crockpot recipe, summer crockpot meals use seasonal product like corn, zucchini, tomatoes, fresh herbs… basically anything that’s summer specific fresh. Plus, we typically want things that are not as heavy in the summer, such as things like chicken tacos and salsa versus heavy stews. We also usually lean towards meals that can be easily paired with sides like chips, buns, and fresh salads. And the beauty of having summer crockpot meals ready is that you can batch ahead and freeze for when the weeks are busy.

Budget and Kid-Friendly Crockpot Recipes for Summer

Now that we’ve convinced you that you need to start using your crockpot in the summer, here are some of our favorite ideas to make this summer along with why we love them, why your kids will love them and a tip to make it even better.

Recipe #1: 3‑Ingredient Crock‑Pot Chicken Tacos

• Why it’s perfect: Just chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa—dump and go.
• Why kids love it: Tacos are fun to build, and the flavors are mild.
• Tip: Use leftovers for nachos or quesadillas the next day.

Recipe #2: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

• Why it’s perfect: Tropical pineapple, soy, and hoisin give it a light, sweet, summery flavor.
• Why kids love it: Sweet pineapple sauce makes it taste like takeout at home.
• Tip: Serve over rice or noodles with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Recipe #3: Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken & Veggies

• Why it’s perfect: Fresh lemon, garlic, and summer veggies make it bright and healthy.
• Why kids love it: Familiar flavors of chicken and buttery potatoes win every time.
• Tip: Add zucchini or green beans toward the end of cooking to keep them crisp.

Recipe #4: Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken

• Why it’s perfect: Tangy, flavorful chicken with only a handful of ingredients.
• Why kids love it: Mild, fresh flavors—plus they can build their own bowls or tacos.
• Tip: Use leftovers in quesadillas or taco salads for an easy lunch.

Recipe #5: Crockpot Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki

• Why it’s perfect: Mediterranean flavors with fresh toppings, and easy to assemble.
• Why kids love it: DIY bowls with pita bread, cucumbers, and cheese are always fun.
• Tip: Make your own tzatziki with Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, and garlic for extra savings.

Recipe #6: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

• Why it’s perfect: Easy homemade teriyaki with pantry staples—better than takeout.
• Why kids love it: Sweet, sticky sauce makes it an instant favorite.
• Tip: Add steamed broccoli or snap peas at the end for a full meal.

Recipe #7: Crockpot Chicken and Zucchini Marinara

• Why it’s perfect: Light tomato-based dish that’s loaded with summer zucchini.
• Why kids love it: Marinara sauce makes it taste like pizza—what’s not to love?
• Tip: Serve with garlic bread or pasta, or go low-carb with zucchini noodles.

Recipe #8: Slow Cooker Turkey Lettuce Wraps (Sweet Chili Style)

• Why it’s perfect: Cool, crisp lettuce cups with sweet and savory filling—perfect for hot days.
• Why kids love it: Eating with their hands makes it extra fun.
• Tip: Add shredded carrots or cucumbers for crunch and color.

These will save you so much money and time AND your kids will absolutely love them.

Our Summer Crockpot Meal Must Haves

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Here are some of our favorites to add to your summer wish list to make the best, and easiest meals.

1. Triple Slow Cooker, 3 * 1.5 Quarts Buffet Servers and Warmers – The ultimate party essential for serving multiple dishes warm and ready to eat.
2. Taste Of Home Summer Slow Cooker – Packed with summer-inspired slow cooker recipes that make weeknight meals a breeze.
3. 2 Layer Slow Cooker Carrying Bag – Keep your slow cooker secure and spill-free with this insulated, two-layer travel bag.
4. bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick – A large-capacity, programmable slow cooker with a nonstick ceramic pot for easy cleanup.
5. Our Place Dream Cooker | 6-quart Multicooker – This versatile multicooker does it all—slow cook, steam, sauté, and more—with hands-free features.
6. The Complete Summer Cookbook – Over 500 fresh, flavorful recipes designed to help you make the most of summer’s best ingredients.

What are your favorite set-it-and-forget-it summer meals? We’d love to hear what you’re throwing in the crockpot this season. These tools and recipes are our go-tos for feeding a crowd and keeping it low-key while beating the heat. Don’t forget to save or pin this post so the next time your dinner plan falls apart, you’ve got something delicious ready to go without breaking a sweat.

If you enjoyed these ideas, make sure to pin the image below to reference later!