10 dump-and-go crockpot recipes for the nights cooking feels like too much

ByAnne Jolly

There’s no shame in admitting that sometimes, cooking dinner sounds about as appealing as doing taxes. These dump-and-go crockpot recipes are for exactly those moments. Toss everything in, walk away, and come back hours later to something delicious!

Throw these drumsticks in the slow cooker before kickoff and let them cook themselves while you focus on the game. The tangy barbecue sauce soaks into the tender chicken for a hands-off dinner that feeds the whole crew.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Creamy Chicken

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

When even thinking about dinner prep makes you want to order takeout, this slow cooker creamy chicken has your back. Just toss chicken with spices and a creamy sauce into the crockpot, then walk away while it turns into something tender and ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken

Chicken Tacos

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

Skip the stress of Taco Tuesday with this honey-lime crockpot chicken that does all the work for you. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel doable again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tacos

Lemon Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Lemon Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This recipe turns basic chicken thighs into something flavorful without asking much from you in return. Just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker handle the rest while you recover from the day.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Thighs

French Onion Meatballs

A plate of meatballs in gravy, mashed potatoes, and broccoli on a wooden board.
French Onion Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Five ingredients including frozen meatballs make this French onion-inspired dinner ridiculously easy. The slow cooker does everything while you do nothing, which is exactly what some nights call for.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Meatballs

Mississippi Pot Roast

Plate of pot roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, pepperoncini, and vegetables.
Mississippi Pot Roast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This five-ingredient pot roast is proof that minimal effort can still mean maximum flavor. Chuck it all in the crockpot and come back to tender beef swimming in rich gravy.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Pulled Chicken

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

Three ingredients and barely any prep get you juicy pulled chicken that’s ready for sandwiches. Pile it on rolls with coleslaw and pickles for an easy dinner that doesn’t require you to be a functioning human.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

A bowl of chicken chili topped with cheese and green onions, surrounded by tortilla chips.
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This dump-and-go taco soup is packed with chicken, beans, and bold flavors that all come together without you doing much. It’s comfort food that understands you’re tired.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken legs and thighs in a the slow cooker with tomato sauce.
Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Everything goes in the crockpot together for this rustic chicken cacciatore that cooks itself. You’ll come home to fall-apart chicken in a tomato and herb sauce that tastes like you actually tried.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Crock Pot Hot Dogs

Three crock pot hot dogs with assorted toppings.
Crock Pot Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Steaming hot dogs in the slow cooker is the easiest way to feed a bunch of people without hovering over a stove. Perfect for when you’re hosting but don’t have the energy for actual cooking.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hot Dogs

BBQ Chicken Legs

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

Toss these drumsticks in the crockpot with barbecue sauce and forget about them until dinner. They come out juicy and tangy without you having to stand over a grill or oven.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Legs