Slow Cooker Meals That Work Harder Than You

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Hey you! Yes, YOU! Your slow cooker is about to become your best friend—throw in some ingredients, press a button, and voila! Whether it’s the zesty Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken or the crispy, bourbon-glazed magic of Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs with Bourbon Glaze, you’ll feel like a culinary genius. Looking for something hearty? Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew and Beef Barley Soup will warm you up faster than a cozy blanket. And don’t even get me started on Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Slaw—it’s like a flavor party on a bun. Throw in a little Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Drumsticks or Pork Carnitas for the ultimate “I’m too cool for takeout” vibe.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

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scooping a piece of tuscan chicken from a crockpot.
Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken brings together pantry staples for a rich and satisfying dish that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something full of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs with Bourbon Glaze

scooping a piece of tuscan chicken from a crockpot.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for the crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sweet bourbon glaze that takes Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs With Bourbon Glaze to a whole new level of deliciousness. Perfect for when you want a quick dinner that feels extra special!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs with Bourbon Glaze

Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew

close-up of serving of slow cooker Brunswick stew in a white bowl.
Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

This Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew is a hearty tribute to the classic, loaded with two types of meat, veggies, and all the savory seasoning you could ask for. Perfect for filling up bellies without breaking a sweat!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew

Beef Barley Soup

Slow cooker beef barley soup in two bowls.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

Invest 20 minutes, and let this Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup do its thing! Tender beef, plump barley, and veggies galore come together in a cozy, no-stir-required bowl of goodness. Let the crockpot handle the hard work while you kick back!
Get the Recipe: Beef Barley Soup

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

chicken penne pasta in white bowl
Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Whip up this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta with the magic of Olive Garden Italian Dressing for a creamy, flavor-packed dish that’s basically a dinner win. Trust me, your taste buds will be thanking you!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole

A warm, hearty scoop of crockpot hashbrown casserole, steaming and ready to be served.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole is your go-to for breakfast or brunch without any of the canned soup nonsense! Creamy, cheesy, and so easy—it’s basically the breakfast dreams are made of.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole

Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

These Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas are the real deal—just as delicious as anything you’d find at a Mexican restaurant! With incredible flavor and that perfect crispy bite, they’ll have you coming back for more. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of BEST recipes on the blog and hands-down one of our favorite dinners. Delicious and healthy, loaded with chicken and veggies, this soup will warm you to your bones! Make it in an Instant pot, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker!
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

Chicken Tortilla Soup is packed with flavor and ready in a flash! Whether you’re using the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, it’s the perfect balance of healthy and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

A bowl containing teriyaki chicken, rice, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions.
Photo credit: Sally’s Baking Recipes

Get ready for Honey Teriyaki Chicken by Sally’s Baking Recipes that’s as tender as it is saucy—just toss it in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen! Serve it over rice for a meal that’s super simple and seriously satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Drumsticks {Freezer Meal Friendly}

A plate with two glazed chicken drumsticks on a bed of rice, surrounded by vibrant green sugar snap peas. Two orange slices are placed on the side. The plate is on a wooden table next to a glass and a folded napkin.
Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Drumsticks bring sweet, tangy flavors to your weeknight dinner, making it a hit for the whole family. Tender, tasty, and easy—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Drumsticks {Freezer Meal Friendly}

Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

Pork carnitas tacos topped with cotija, escabeche, and avocado
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Sit back and let the slow cooker work its magic with Crockpot Pork Carnitas—tender, crispy goodness for the ultimate taco night! Load them up on corn tortillas with escabeche, and you’ve got yourself the best tacos around.
Get the Recipe: Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwich with Apple Slaw

a close-up of a slow cooker pulled pork sandwich with crunchy apple slaw in a bun
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

If you’re a pulled pork lover, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Slaw are calling your name! Tender, flavorful pork, topped with crunchy slaw and smothered in BBQ sauce—this is the sandwich of your dreams!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwich with Apple Slaw

Slow Cooker Sauerbraten

gravy being poured over sauerbraten pot roast.
Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Craving a classic German dish? Slow Cooker Sauerbraten delivers tender, flavorful goodness with minimal work. Perfect for when you want a comforting, hearty meal with no hassle!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sauerbraten

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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