Slow Cooker Recipes That Aren't Soups or Stews

Change Up Your Comfort Foods: Slow Cooker Recipes That Aren't Stews or Soups

Easy slow cooker recipes are lifesavers for busy families everywhere. While this handy appliance does a fabulous job with soups and stews, if you're looking to expand your collection of crock pot recipes, you're in luck. Here are three slow cooker recipes for you to try that aren't stew or soup.

Chicken, Green Beans, and Potatoes

This twist on a classic from The Magical Slow Cooker is a perfect example of slow cooker recipes that aren't soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups diced red potatoes
• 3 cups trimmed fresh green and yellow beans
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence

Directions:

1. Place the chicken in the center of the slow cooker. Add the green beans on one side and the potatoes on the other.
2. Whisk the remaining ingredients together in a bowl, and pour over the chicken, beans, and potatoes.
3. Cover and cook on low for about 7 to 8 hours.

Teriyaki Chicken

This easy slow cooker recipe suggested by Dinner at the Zoo comes together quickly. Swap sliced flank steak for the chicken for a heartier take on the same dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:

1. Add the chicken to the slow cooker.
2. Whisk the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and brown sugar in a small bowl, and pour it over the chicken.
3. Cook the chicken, covered, on low for 8 hours.
4. Transfer the chicken to a platter, shred it with two forks, and set it aside.
5. Whisk the cornstarch and water together before whisking this mixture into the sauce in the cooker. Put the cover on and allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes to thicken it.
6. Add the chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the thickened sauce. Serve this dish over white rice garnished with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Enchilada Quinoa

Are you looking for vegetarian crock pot meals? It's tough to beat the nearly zero work of this easy crock pot recipe inspired by a dish from Crème de la Crumb.

Ingredients:

• 1 15-ounce can black beans
• 1 15-ounce can corn
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 15-ounce cans enchilada sauce
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup vegetable or mushroom broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Drain and rinse the beans and corn. Add them, along with the tomatoes, one can of enchilada sauce, cream cheese, broth, quinoa, and salt and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Stir everything together and top it with the second can of sauce and shredded cheese. Cook on high for 5 hours.
3. Serve with garnishes like sliced green onions, diced avocado, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro.