Our Best Slow Cooker Recipes for Spring
Most people only look out their slow cookers for hearty soups and stews, but now that winter has passed, we're craving the fresh, bright flavors that come with the next season. We've collected our best, easiest, and brightest recipes that capture the flavors of spring. Who knew that you could still use your slow cooker moving into the warmer months? From churning out fresh veggies and herbed chicken to fruity cakes, it can still serve up all your seasonal favorites.
Slow Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic
Slow Cooker Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic Recipe
We opt for bone-in thighs to guarantee optimal flavor and succulence. Make prep easier with pre peeled garlic. Though 40 seems like a lot, this dish comes out perfectly seasoned. If serving to guests, pretty-up the platter with lemon slices and thyme sprigs.
1 of 14
Honey-Apricot-Glazed Chicken
Honey-Apricot-Glazed Chicken Recipe
This saucy slow cooker chicken lives at the flavorful intersection where sweet and savory meet. Never cooked with apricot brandy? It lends a unique fruity richness to this dish and can be found in most liquor stores shelved with flavored other liqueurs.
2 of 14
Carrot-Ginger Soup
Now there's a fresh, heathy alternative for a weeknight dinner. This soup is bright in color and flavor and can be served warm or chilled, depending on the Springtime weather.
3 of 14
Fresh Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
Fresh Vegetable Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Who would've thought that a dish this vibrant and fresh could be cooked in the slow cooker? Making stock has never been easier and vegetables have never been more tender.
4 of 14
Crawfish Dip
Keep this dip warm in the slow cooker while serving or just before serving. The base is created by melding the flavors of bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic, and jalapeño together in a saucepan before adding it to the slow cooker.
5 of 14
Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Carrots
Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Carrots Recipe
A full-plate dinner simmers to saucy, savory perfection in the slow cooker. To end up with super-succulent pork, don't overcook the chops in the pan before adding them to the slow cooker. Just a couple of minutes per side will be enough to achieve nice color.
6 of 14
Lemony Chicken Breasts with Rice
Lemony Chicken Breasts with Rice Recipe
Chicken are rice were made for each other, especially when cooked together and seasoned with lemon, onion , and garlic. We pair this dish with steam-in-a-bag veggies for a well-round, insanely easy meal.
7 of 14
Hoisin Pork in Lettuce Cups
Hoisin Pork in Lettuce Cups Recipe
This crowd-pleasing dinner idea is fresh yet savory and great for entertaining. Ginger, brown sugar, and garlic chili sauce contribute to the meat's delicious flavor. Fresh cilantro and scallions make the pork pop.
8 of 14
Wild Mushroom Pasta Alfredo with Walnuts
Wild Mushroom Pasta Alfredo with Walnuts Recipe
Brighten up store bought alfredo sauce with grape tomatoes and spinach. Halfway homemade has never been smarter!
9 of 14
Apricot and Lamb Tagine
Apricot and Lamb Tagine Recipe
If you aren't used to cooking lamb, this is the ideal starting point. Simmer this Moroccan-style lamb stew and serve over hot couscous with a side of steamed green beans for a complete and authentic meal.
10 of 14
Slow-Cooker Lemon Poppy-Seed Cake
Slow-Cooker Lemon Poppy-Seed Cake Recipe
This cake is just asking to be taken to a backyard BBQ or garden party. Fresh lemon juice and zest give the cake a brightness that will have you making this recipe again and again.
11 of 14
Chicken with Artichokes and Wild Mushrooms
Chicken with Artichokes and Wild Mushrooms Recipe
The chicken is first browned in a skillet for added visual appeal and flavor and then the slow cooker does the work. Onion, artichoke, and wild mushrooms give this dish dynamic flavor.
12 of 14
Slow-Cooker Chicken Lettuce Cups
Slow-Cooker Chicken Lettuce Cups Recipe
The freshness of a salad with the heartiness of a taco are combined in this dish. Forget forks and let the family assemble their own lettuce cups with any toppings that you desire.
13 of 14
Slow Cooker Chicken with Tarragon and Leeks
Slow Cooker Chicken with Tarragon and Leeks Recipe
We all knew that we could cook chicken in the slow cooker, but you can also toss leeks and potatoes in, too. Frozen peas are added at the end of the cooking process for a pop of fresh color and flavor, as well as milk and yogurt for creaminess.