I know it’s sacrilege for a busy mom, but the truth is I am NOT the biggest fan of my slow cooker. A lot of people vehemently disagree with me, but I find that all recipes seem to taste the same, textures are a little off, or flavors aren’t quite as robust.
But don’t worry – this post isn’t just about me whining about how much I hate my slow cooker. Instead, it’s a list of my all-time favorite slow-cooker recipes. Because believe me – if they pass my crock-pot-averse taste test, you know they’ve got to be winners.
1. Best Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot by 100 Days of Real Food
There’s something about a whole chicken that’s so fancy. I love roasting chicken in the oven, but sometimes you just need it to be easy and fool-proof. This is delicious, juicy, and perfect every time. It’s great for dinner guests, a weeknight, or if you’re just cooking up chicken to keep in the freezer for future use.
2. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Don’t overcomplicate this. Put a boneless pork shoulder in the slow cooker, add just enough water to cover the bottom of the stoneware, and set it on high for 4 hours or low for 8. When it’s done it will shred easily. Heat some BBQ sauce in the microwave and mix it with your shredded pork.
I don’t recommend roasting your pork with the BBQ sauce all day because it tends to burn along the edges of the stoneware.
3. Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa Bake from Cooking Classy
I made this, and my husband started digging around in the fridge the next day asking, “Do we have any more of that quinoa?” I about died. So if you’ve been waiting to introduce your family to quinoa, this is probably the way to do it. I’ve found this is a great topping for nachos – and who doesn’t love nachos??? For the best flavor I recommend rinsing the dry quinoa to prevent bitterness, and using chicken broth in place of vegetable broth (if you’re not vegetarian). Top your nachos with the quinoa mixture and cheese, avocados, sour cream, or anything else you love on nachos!
4. Heartier Chicken Noodle Soup
Want a chicken soup that’s a little creamier, a little more filling and oh so satisfying? Then this is what you’ve been looking for. ‘Tis the season for runny noses and viruses – make this the next time your family needs a little chicken soup to make them feel better!
5. Slow Cooker Paleo Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili from Skinnytaste
I was super skeptical when they said you don’t have to brown the meat first. You always brown the meat first. But, nope! It really was true that you just throw everything in your crock pot and out comes a hearty and delicious dinner. The addition of sweet potatoes adds extra fiber and nutrition, and don’t be nervous about the “jalapeno” in the title – it wasn’t super spicy.
Do you have a love affair with your slow cooker, or are you less enthusiastic about it like me? If you have slow cooker recipes that actually taste good, share them with us!
PIN THIS!
Read more of Kristina’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
