Slow Cooker Summer Surprises
We can’t get our fill of sunshine and fresh air, walks in the park and swims in the pool! And when it comes to firing up the oven to make any of our favorite dinners or desserts, we are turning to our trusty countertop appliances to keep things cool inside. Here are a few slow cooker recipes that are easy to make and a treat to eat.
Chicken in a (Crock) Pot
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of the meals that makes your mouth water just reading the ingredients. For a glimpse of the recipe taking Pinterest by storm, click to see how Delish combines chicken thighs, red potatoes and enough butter, garlic, and parmesan to please a hungry bunch forever asking, “what’s for dinner?”
Throw together a simple family dinner with a Sally’s Baking Addiction favorite: Honey Teriyaki Chicken using a sauce of brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onion and fresh ginger. We like adding the optional sesame seeds and chopped scallions – there’s just something about those crunchy add-ons that MAKE the meal.
Another sweet concoction option for pineapple lovers is the Hawaiian Chicken from Averie Cooks. Using pineapple chunks, juice and jam along with soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, and Asian chili-garlic sauce– the layers of sweet, tangy and savory flavors are perfect over rice.
You don’t need your grill to make slow-cooker barbecued chicken sandwiches – but you will need some fresh slaw. Combining chicken tenders with barbecue sauce PLUS added seasonings, Butter Your Biscuit makes a flavorful slaw with the usual suspects – shredded cabbage and mayo, plus chipotle pepper, lime juice and cilantro!
Check out more of Delish’s best slow cooker meals for summer – like Crockpot Mac and Cheese, fresh off-the-ear Corn Chowder and yummy Paella – a variety of recipes to please your people – littles and biggles.
Slow Cooker Beef and Pork
Head to the butcher counter and your family will be licking their fingers with this baby back ribs recipe from Dinner at the Zoo. You’ll want a side of creamy mashed potatoes or maybe grilled summer squash with Lemon-Scallion Dressing for a complete meal.
Tacos are a great summer dish and can turn dinner into a festive event when everyone builds their own! These Mexican Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos from Isabel Eats is the most popular recipe on Isabel’s website. You can chop tomatoes, cilantro, lettuce, onions, and your favorite cheese for the perfect taco help-yourself platter. 
Beef Gyros are a great summer meal idea, too, with this recipe for flavorful beef and homemade tzatziki sauce. The recipe calls for red onions, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes to top them, so delicious from Tastes Better From Scratch – even the kids will be lining up to fill their pitas.
For a month’s worth of slow cooker recipes, check out Foodie Crush where you’ll find everything from pulled pork sandwiches with Cherry Chipotle Sauce, to Black Bean Stuffed Peppers and Turkey Bolognese over zoodles.
Delicious Slow-Cooked Desserts
Your slow cooker is also a great way to make dessert — from cakes and brownies to candy and fudge — an easy way to make something sweet to end a great meal. Delish has collection of all kinds of slow cooker summer surprises, including a delicious -looking peach cobbler and an exotic Coconut Rice Pudding topped with fresh fruit.
With over 20 slow cooker desserts – (like Caramel, Peanut Butter, Hot Fudge Cake!) Crazy for Crust no doubt has the perfect recipe for your family’s sweet tooth. And don’t forget the ice cream!
While this isn’t exactly dessert (although it could be) Southern Living’s Crockpot® Cinnamon Rolls are a crowd pleasing recipe for a large family! It starts with refrigerated biscuit dough, but the SL chefs doctored it with brown sugar, toasted pecans and plenty of cream cheese icing after they’re finished cooking — 20 minutes. Betcha can’t eat just one!
Keep Cool Cooking in Colliers Hill
Summer introduces so many more options when it comes to making meals – with more fruits and veggies in season, and opportunities to grill. Check out the many amenities in the master-planned community of Colliers Hill, and the beautiful model homes from Richmond American Homes and Century Communities – and coming this winter – K B Home. It’s a great time to buy with rates so low – and lots of possibilities from the high $300s.
