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In the ever-evolving landscape of culinary techniques, slow cooking has emerged as a beloved method among home cooks. This approach not only simplifies meal preparation but also enhances flavors, allowing ingredients to meld beautifully over time. For busy weeknights or special occasions, slow cooking provides a convenient solution to deliver delicious and satisfying meals with minimal effort. One standout recipe that embodies the essence of slow cooking is Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken.

40+ Fresh & Easy Summer Slow Cooker Recipes

Discover the delicious flavors of Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken! This simple slow cooker recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a refreshing blend of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Cooked to perfection with chicken broth, it's easy and perfect for any dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor. Prep takes just 10 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest! Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Enjoy a taste of summer anytime!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic (minced)

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Lemon slices (for serving)

3-4 pounds pork shoulder

1 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Buns for serving

Coleslaw (for serving)

1 cup quinoa (rinsed)

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

1 cucumber (diced)

1/2 red onion (finely chopped)

1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)

1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 onion (chopped)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can corn (drained)

1 can diced tomatoes (with green chilies)

1 packet taco seasoning

4 cups chicken broth

1 jalapeño (diced, optional for extra heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Tortilla chips (for serving)

Sour cream and shredded cheese (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.

    Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them, making sure they are well coated.

      Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker.

        Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

          Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the juices in the slow cooker.

            Serve the chicken garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 4

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                  Sweet Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork 🍍🍖

                    In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, onion powder, and crushed red pepper to create a marinade.

                      Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over the top.

                        Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

                          Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with forks.

                            Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it with the juices.

                              Serve the pulled pork on buns topped with coleslaw.

                                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 10 hours | Servings: 8

                                  ---

                                    Mediterranean Quinoa Salad 🥗🌿

                                      Add the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth to the slow cooker.

                                        Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.

                                          Let the quinoa cool slightly, then transfer it to a large bowl.

                                            Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese to the quinoa.

                                              In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.

                                                Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley.

                                                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 4-6

                                                    ---

                                                      Spicy Taco Soup 🌮🔥

                                                        In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Drain excess fat.

                                                          Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, chicken broth, jalapeño (if using), and salt and pepper.

                                                            Stir to combine all ingredients, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

                                                              To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, top with tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

                                                                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6-8

                                                                  Feel free to request more summer slow cooker recipes!