Yes, you can make slow cooker meals the night before, or even several days, beforehand! Read on for a collection of nourishing and easy slow cooker recipes to prep ahead that will save you time and energy.

Four image collage with the text 10+ slow cooke recipes to prep ahead in the middle

As a time-saving habits expert, I love creating simple slow cooker recipes that are easy to prepare and full of real food ingredients. I also love slow cooker recipes that can be made ahead, making the process even easier. Read on for my best prep ahead tips for prepping ahead and then head to the recipes!

Prep Ahead & Storage Tips

  • The night before, assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert. Cover the insert and refrigerate. The next day, place the insert back into the slow cooker base. Cover and cook according to recipe instructions.
  • If you don’t have room in you fridge for the slow cooker insert, simply prepare all the ingredients ahead, add to a zip-top bag or container, refrigerate, then add to the slow cooker and cook according to recipe instructions.
  • Once cooked, allow the slow cooker meal to cool completely. Portion into single servings, if desired, and store or freeze.
Overhead shot of a bowl of red pepper soup topped with a mound of white rice.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Effortless Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Hearty and oh so comforting, this easy crock pot stuffed pepper soup is a satisfying meal-in-a-bowl, featuring plenty of vegetables and tons of protein.
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, ground beef, salt, Italian seasoning, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilis, Worcestershire sauce, white rice.
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Overhead image of a slow cooker with shredded chicken in a soy based sauce topped with green onions.
4.95 stars (18 ratings)

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

The easiest, most delicious slow cooker chicken recipe yet! Slow cooker honey garlic chicken requires only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time to produce sweet, savory, and sticky chicken.
Ingredients: soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, boneless chicken thighs (or boneless skinless chicken breasts), cornstarch.
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Overhead image of an oval platter of chicken drumsticks.
5 stars (20 ratings)

Incredible Slow Cooker Drumsticks (4-Ingredients!)

Get delicious, fall-off-the-bone meat with this easy slow cooker drumsticks recipe that just uses 4 ingredients!
Ingredients: smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, chicken drumsticks, BBQ sauce.
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Overhead shot of raw chicken tighs covered in an orange sauce in a slow cooker.
5 stars (16 ratings)

Easy Slow Cooker Satay Chicken (w/ Coconut Milk)

Slow cooker satay chicken is a flavorful, versatile meal made with chicken thighs, coconut milk, and curry paste. A simplified take one Thai peanut chicken, it's a delicious and easy dinner recipe that's not only quick to prepare but also a great meal prep protein option. You wont believe how flavorful the end result it!
Ingredients: chicken, salt, peanut butter, coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce.
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Overhead shot of bowls of creamy potato corn chowder with corn kernels and basil leaves. The bowl in the middle has a spoon in it.
5 stars (35 ratings)

Slow Cooker Creamy Corn Chowder (Vegetarian)

This easy slow cooker corn chowder is a breeze to prep, and is a veggie-packed vegetarian recipe that’s luxuriously creamy without a drop of cream. A surprisingly simple yet deliciously vibrant soup that can be made with fresh or frozen corn! 
Ingredients: russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, broth, coconut milk, onion, garlic, white wine vinegar and other spices
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overhead shot of soup with sausage, kale, and potatoes in a bowl with a gold spoon and bread.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana

With a short list of ingredients, this easy lightened up crock pot zuppa Toscana is a hearty one pot meal that's a simple slow cooker meal everyone will love!
Ingredients: sweet Italian sausage, onion, garlic, russet potato, salt, chicken stock, kale, cream.
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Overhead shot of meatballs in marinara sauce sprinkled with fresh basil.
5 stars (4 ratings)

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatballs (in Marinara)

These tender, juicy, melt-in-your mouth slow cooker meatballs could not be simpler to make! Requiring no pre-cooking or pre-browning, these ground beef meatballs simmer low and slow in a simple Italian marinara sauce for the ultimate meatball dinner. Bring on the spaghetti!
Ingredients: ground beef, parmesan, onion, garlic, Italian breadcrumbs (gluten free or traditional), egg, salt, marinara sauce.
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Overhead shot of a cooked whole chicken in a black slow cooker.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Easy Slow Cooker Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Dupe!)

The easiest, juiciest chicken you'll ever make, this slow cooker whole chicken takes less than 5 minutes to prep and is the perfect "dupe" for a rotisserie chicken. No chopping + no searing; just dump and go for the most succulent chicken that works every time!
Ingredients: whole chicken, spices, salt.
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Overhead shot of slow cooker flank steak topped with fresh herbs inside of a black crockpot.
4.94 stars (43 ratings)

Slow Cooker Flank Steak

This ultra tender slow cooker flank steak recipe could not be easier to make, and yields the most delicious, tender flank steak for tacos, sandwiches and more!
Ingredients: flank steak, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, brown sugar, olive oil and salt.
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Overhead shot of an oval baking dish with cooked chicken thighs. The baking dish is surrounded by a lime cut in half, fresh herbs, and containers with sauce, lime wedges, and peanuts.
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Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Thighs + More Prep Ahead Slow Cooker Recipes

by Robyn Conley Downs
Servings: 6 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours 5 minutes
Slow cooker peanut chicken thighs are flavorful, versatile, and can be prepped ahead. Plus 10 more prep ahead slow cooker recipes!
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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, or boneless skinless breasts
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Satay Sauce

  • ⅓ cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky
  • ⅓ cup canned coconut milk
  • 1-2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoons fish sauce, or tamari

Optional Serving Suggestions

  • Chopped roasted peanuts, fresh lime slices, fresh cilantro, steamed rice

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Add the chicken to a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the chicken to coat.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, curry paste, sugar, lime juice, and tamari until very smooth.
  • Pour ⅓ of the satay sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to coat. Set the remaining sauce aside. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or low for 4-4, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender but not falling apart.
  • When the chicken is cooked, uncover and carefully drain the cooking liquid. Pour over half of the remaining satay sauce, tossing to coat.
  • Optional, but recommended: Place the cooked and sauce-coated chicken on a broiler safe pan or baking sheet. Place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes or until browned, then flip and broil 2-3 more minutes to brown the other side. Keep a close eye on the chicken, as the sugar in the sauce can brown very quickly.
  • Serve the sauce coated chicken with the remaining satay sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with cilantro, fresh lime slices, and peanuts if desired.
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 (of 6), Calories: 308kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 33g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 144mg, Sodium: 528mg, Potassium: 501mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 432IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition disclaimer
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