17 easy slow cooker favorites for effortless back to school meals

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The back-to-school season can leave even the most organized family in a time crunch when it comes to preparing dinner. With these 17 slow cooker favorites, you can whip up delicious and satisfying meals without breaking a sweat.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

After a busy school day, who wouldn’t love some Mac and Cheese? Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and come home to a ready meal. Less fuss, more family time!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are perfect for those busy school nights. Toss them in before you head out, and come back to a mouthwatering dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Homework, practice, and then what’s for dinner? Slow Cooker Pork Chops, that’s what! A convenient meal that gives you more time to focus on after-school activities.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Barbacoa brings restaurant flavors home without the hassle. Great for wrapping up those special school days with a festive meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Looking for a hearty meal without the hassle? Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs are just the ticket. Ideal for fueling those growing kids without keeping you tied to the stove.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Creamy Chicken in a slow cooker is a win on those crazy mornings. Prep it, set it, and walk out the door. Your delicious dinner will be waiting when you get back from school runs and errands.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With school back in session, life gets busy! This Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a comforting meal that cooks itself. Perfect for those days when homework and practice schedules are packed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow cooker Italian beef on a crusty roll with provolone cheese and peppers.
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These sandwiches are your back-to-school savior. Prep the beef in the morning, and by the time everyone’s home, dinner’s on the table. No fuss, just satisfied smiles all around!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco night without the hassle? Yes, please! Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are a fun and easy way to bring the family together during the school week.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get a taste of takeout without leaving home! Crock Pot Ramen is a great twist on fast food for those busy school nights. An innovative way to please those noodle lovers without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow cooker chicken with BBQ sauce in a crock pot with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Have a school event and need a crowd-pleaser? Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken has got you covered. An easy way to serve up smiles without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

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Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Indulge in the ultimate easy back to school dinner with this cheesy ranch chicken recipe made in the slow cooker. It’s a simple and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

Top view of a large white ceramic bowl filled with cooked cubed potatoes topped with melted white cheese.
Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These slow cooker roasted potatoes make for one super easy Crockpot recipe! The perfect potato side dish will be ready despite your busy school night schedule.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

There’s no need for takeout when you can make this honey garlic chicken at home right in the slow cooker. With a sticky, sweet, addicting sauce and pieces of pineapple throughout, this EASY recipe will be a school night favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and a green linen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas are spicy, tangy, cheesy, and delicious. Tender chicken, bold enchilada sauce, chewy tortillas, and rich, melty cheese combine to make a dish perfect for a weeknight dinner no matter how busy your schedule is.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Crockpot Thai Chicken Chili

Image shows an overhead shot of a bowl of Thai Chicken Chili.
Crockpot Thai Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Add some spice to busy school days with Thai Chicken Chili, where fragrant spices and tender chicken create a delicious flavor experience. Discover the perfect balance of heat and depth in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Thai Chicken Chili

Chicken Zoodle Soup

A bowl of slow cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Do noodles sound too heavy for a hectic weeknight? Swap them out for zoodles instead. This comforting and flavorful chicken zoodle soup made in the slow cooker is a perfect dinner option for busy school days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

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