Delicious easy crockpot recipes for quick weeknight meals

Best 8 Easy Crockpot Recipes for Delicious Weeknight Meals

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As a busy person who loves good food, I've found that weeknight dinners don’t have to be a stress-inducing scramble. With my trusty crockpot, I can whip up delicious meals that are not only incredibly easy but also bursting with flavor! In this listicle, I’m excited to share eight of my favorite easy crockpot recipes that will transform your evenings into a culinary delight without the hassle. Whether you're in the mood for savory BBQ chicken or a warming bowl of chili, you’ll discover quick prep recipes that will have your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds. Let’s dive into these tasty creations that make weeknight cooking a breeze!

1. The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken (Easy Pulled Chicken)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, with fat trimmed off
  • 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (We love sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (I use this fat-free one)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar (can reduce to 1/8 cup or omit if you prefer it less sweet)
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. First liberally spray the inside of a large crockpot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or for less mess, use one of these awesome disposable liners.
  2. Next, season your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and place in the bottom of your crockpot.
  3. In a medium size mixing bowl, add barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until combined.
  4. Pour mixture evenly over chicken breasts, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
  5. Use this meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165 degrees internal temperature.
  6. Once fully cooked, you can either serve whole or use two forks to shred chicken. I like to shred it right in the crockpot to soak up all the extra chicken marinade and BBQ sauce.
  7. Serve on buns for delicious BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches or serve on pizza, salad, tacos, nachos, over rice, or by itself. Enjoy!

2. Easy Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Easy Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients

  • 2 lb italian sausage links
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • Salt, as needed
  • Black pepper, as needed
  • 1 tsp italian herb blend
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

3. Easy Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe! {Quick Prep}

Easy Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe! {Quick Prep}

No recipe data available for this item.

4. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

No recipe data available for this item.

5. Crock Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken

Crock Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, onion)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.

2. In a separate bowl, mix ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and chicken broth until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.

4. Add the diced vegetables on top.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

7. Shred the chicken and stir everything together before serving.

6. Hearty Crockpot Chili

Hearty Crockpot Chili

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef (or turkey for a healthier option)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro

Directions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  3. In your crockpot, combine the cooked ground meat, sautéed onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the crockpot.
  5. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper over the top of the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  6. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule.
  7. Once the cooking time is complete, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  8. Serve the chili hot, with your choice of optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs.

7. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Place the chicken thighs in the Crockpot.

2. In a bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.

3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.

6. Serve garnished with chopped green onions.

8. Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms (fresh button or cremini)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups egg noodles or rice (for serving)

Directions

  1. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  2. Optional: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add beef, mushrooms, sautéed onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and beef broth to the crock pot.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
  5. Stir in sour cream about 30 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve over cooked egg noodles or rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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