Easiest Whole30 Crockpot Recipes (2024)

Table of Contents
Easiest Whole30 Crockpot Recipes: Table of Contents Easy Whole30 Slow Cooker Recipes Chicken Easy Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken 3-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew (with Vegetarian Option) Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Garlic Balsamic Chicken 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken (5-Ingredients!) Slow Cooker Citrus Chicken (Pollo Asado) Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables Crockpot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes and Basil 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken Slow Cooker Chicken, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup Slow Cooker Peach Chicken with Basil 6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken Beef Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup Crock Pot Taco Meat Spicy Cabbage Soup Mexican-Inspired Shredded Beef Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili (No Beans) Turkey Buffalo Turkey Meatballs Crockpot Turkey Soup Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup Sausage & Pork Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Sausage, Cabbage & Sweet Potato Stew (Instant Pot, Crockpot, Stove Top) Slow Cooker Carnitas Sides Slow Cooker Potatoes Slow Cooker Cabbage Easiest Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes Easy Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes Vegetarian Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup (with Canned Pumpkin!) Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Apple, & Turmeric Soup Whole30 Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes + Whole30 Slow Cooker Recipes Ingredients Equipment Instructions Notes Nutrition Information: How to Store & Freeze FAQs References

Make your life easier with the easiest Whole30 slow cooker recipes. Gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, family friendly, paleo, minimal effort, and so delicious! I’ve rounded up over 45 simple Whole30 crockpot recipes to make healthy eating a cinch for you – from Whole30 dinner recipes to simple Whole30 sides.

Easiest Whole30 Crockpot Recipes (1)

Easiest Whole30 Crockpot Recipes: Table of Contents

Chicken Recipes in the Slow Cooker

Crock Pot Beef Recipes

Simple Sides

Whole30 Vegetarian Meals

About these Recipes

Easy Whole30 Slow Cooker Recipes

The crock pot is one of my favorite kitchen tools because it makes healthy eating and getting homemade meals on the table so easy (like my dump and go slow cooker recipes).

If you’ve ever done Whole30 or are just starting out, you know that it takes a lot of work to have healthy, Whole30-approved meals on hand.

To make your life a whole lot easier, I’ve rounded up a list of easy, healthy, fast-prep slow cooker recipes that are Whole30-approved and so easy to prep.

Each slow cooker recipe includes a short list of easy-to-find ingredients, and generally requires just a few minutes of prep.

For each recipe, be sure to read the notes section, as occasionally you may need to omit or swap an ingredient to ensure the final result is Whole30 compliant.

These recipes also are great for meal prep, and can be enjoyed for multiple lunches and dinners throughout the week – saving you a lot of time and effort as well!

And, if your family isn’t on Whole30 with you, don’t worry. These recipes are family friendly – your family won’t even know they are Whole30-approved.

P.S. If you are looking for more easy Whole30 recipes, check out my Whole30 Instant Pot recipes.

Chicken

5 stars (13 ratings)

Easy Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken

Easy to make and oh-so satisfying, this crockpot cilantro lime chicken is perfect for stuffing into warm tortillas! It’s elevated by the most flavorful homemade cilantro lime sauce and can be made with either chicken breasts or chicken thighs.

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic cloves, cumin, avocado oil, honey (optional) and salt.

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4.98 stars (47 ratings)

3-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

3-Ingredient crockpot salsa chicken stuffed potatoes is the easiest, most delicious, wildly simple slow cooker recipe you’ll find anywhere. What’s more, you don't have to chop a thing, and everything cooks together in the slow cooker (even the potatoes!), so prep is super fast and cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients: chicken breasts or chicken thighs, salsa, and russet potatoes.

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5 stars (8 ratings)

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Friends, these are the best slow cooker chicken tacos ever! I know there are a lot of slow cooker chicken taco recipes out there, but my recipe is simple, uses only 6 ingredients, and tastes incredibly fresh. The ultimate time-saving recipe, it's a dump-and-go recipe you'll turn to week in and week out.

Ingredients: garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, chicken, salsa.

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5 stars (22 ratings)

Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew (with Vegetarian Option)

Packed with protein and veggies, this hearty Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew is easy to throw together and makes the perfect one-pot meal. Includes directions for making in your pressure cooker or Instant Pot!

Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), stock, potatoes, carrot, celery, onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder and other seasonings

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5 stars (14 ratings)

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies

A versatile, filling, one-pot meal, slow cooker ranch chicken and veggies is made with a simple homemade ranch seasoning blend, chicken, carrots, and potatoes; making for an easy dinner recipe everyone will love!

Ingredients: chicken breasts, chicken stock, potatoes, carrots, yogurt (traditional or plant-based), mayo, apple cider vinegar, homemade ranch seasoning.

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5 stars (4 ratings)

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Garlic Balsamic Chicken

5 simple ingredients combine in juicy, succulent 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Garlic Balsamic Chicken, an effortless dinner recipe for any night of the week.

Ingredients: bone-in chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil and salt.

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5 stars (29 ratings)

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Crave-worthy Buffalo chicken gets a dairy-free makeover!Stuffed inside a tender sweet potato, and done completely in the slow cooker, 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken & Sweet Potatoes is your answer to dinner tonight.

Ingredients: chicken breasts, sweet potatoes, hot sauce, mayo, lime juice, coconut oil and salt

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4.95 stars (37 ratings)

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken

Bright, tangy, and wildly simple to make, Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a no-fuss weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients: chicken, lemon juice, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic

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4.97 stars (29 ratings)

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken (5-Ingredients!)

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken is simple to prepare and yields super tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce that everyone in the family will love.

Ingredients: chicken, apples, apple cider, onion, garlic powder and salt.

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4.86 stars (7 ratings)

Slow Cooker Citrus Chicken (Pollo Asado)

Slow Cooker Citrus Chicken (Pollo Asado) yields bright citrus flavors and tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken. A super easy recipe with delicious results!

Ingredients: bone-in chicken thighs and legs, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, honey (optional) and salt.

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5 stars (26 ratings)

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables

Tender, juicy, and incredibly simple to prepare, Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables is a satisfying one-pot meal made with whole chicken, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and a hit of flavor from a simple balsamic sauce.

Ingredients: whole chicken, baby potatoes, carrots, paprika, garlic, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, rosemary and salt.

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4.91 stars (10 ratings)

Crockpot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup

Simple to make and bursting with fresh summer flavors, Crockpot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup is perfect any time of year. A great recipe for all your farmer’s market finds, and paleo and Whole30 friendly, too!

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, zucchini, tomato sauce, leafy greens, onion, chili powder, cumin and other seasonings

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5 stars (14 ratings)

Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes and Basil

This healthy slow cooker balsamic chicken with tomatoes and basil is a fresh, easy meal that draws on the flavors of bruschetta for a simple, flavorful meal everyone will love. It’s one of those recipes that we find ourselves making on repeat week after week!

Ingredients: chicken, roma or cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt.

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5 stars (28 ratings)

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken

The perfect recipe for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious, real food dinner, 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken is a snap to prep and requires just a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients: chicken, onion, bell pepper, salsa, lime juice and salt

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4.96 stars (44 ratings)

Slow Cooker Chicken, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken, Kale, and Sweet Potato Soup is packed with protein and veggies and is so easy to make with a short list of simple ingredients. Your new paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, whole30, healthy go-to crockpot recipe!

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), sweet potatoes, lacinato kale, chicken stock, extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning

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4.98 stars (45 ratings)

Slow Cooker Peach Chicken with Basil

Slow Cooker Peach Chicken with Basil combines juicy peaches, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil for an easy, flavorful dinner anytime. Easy enough to throw together on a weeknight, this one’s bound to become a new family-favorite recipe!

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), onion, balsamic vinegar, peaches, basil, garlic powder and salt.

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5 stars (66 ratings)

6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken

This easy recipe for shredded chicken for enchiladas is totally simple, completely delicious and the perfect weeknight crockpot recipe. Plus this chicken recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, Paleo and Whole30 compliant too!

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), onion, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, tomato sauce, chili powder and salt.

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Beef

4.91 stars (33 ratings)

Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

Simple and hearty, slow cooker hamburger soup is loaded with vegetables and ground beef, and can be simmered all day in the slow cooker or made in 35 minutes on the stovetop.

Ingredients: lean ground beef, onion, carrots, celery, tomato paste, chicken stock (or beef stock), olive oil, potatoes, red & yellow bell peppers, red wine vinegar, water, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt.

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5 stars (15 ratings)

Crock Pot Taco Meat

Crock pot taco meat is an easy dump-and-go recipe made with just a few simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or for feeding a party crowd.

Ingredients: ground beef, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, mild chili powder, and salt.

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5 stars (10 ratings)

Spicy Cabbage Soup

This spicy cabbage soup is packed with vegetables and can be made with ground beef or vegetarian, and can be made in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Ingredients: green cabbage, bell pepper, fire roasted tomatoes with green chilis, vegetable stock, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion, carrot, celery, ground beef (optional) and salt.

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5 stars (10 ratings)

Mexican-Inspired Shredded Beef

Perfectly spiced and incredibly easy to prepare, Mexican-Inspired Shredded Beef is super versatile and makes the best shredded beef tacos!

Ingredients: boneless beef chuck-eye roast, onion, tomato paste, cumin, mild chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice and salt.

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5 stars (8 ratings)

Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup

This Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup is an easy prep, gluten-free & dairy-free take on the classic everyone knows and loves! A delicious, cozy soup packed with veggies, leafy greens and hearty, tender meatballs. Also includes stovetop directions.

Ingredients: ground beef (or ground turkey), carrots, celery, onion, nutritional yeast, escarole (or kale), chicken stock, garlic, granulated garlic powder, almond flour (or oat flour), baby spinach, lemon juice, egg (optional) and salt

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5 stars (3 ratings)

Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce

Easy dinner recipes are my specialty, and this hearty and flavor-filled crock pot spaghetti sauce with ground beef, diced onions, and two types of canned tomatoes is a keeper! The slow-cooked meat sauce is rich in flavor and perfectly seasoned. It’s also great to make in large batches and perfect for freezing.

Ingredients: ground beef, onion, olive oil, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, honey (optional) and salt.

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4.80 stars (5 ratings)

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili (No Beans)

Hearty, warming, and simple to prepare, Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili has no beans, is packed with pumpkin, and is a new fall classic that you'll want to make all year round!

Ingredients: ground turkey, pumpkin puree, bell pepper, tomato paste, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, lime juice and other spices

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Turkey

5 stars (4 ratings)

Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

Tender, juicy, and super delicious, buffalo turkey meatballs are a healthy appetizer or main dish, made with no breadcrumbs, and easy to prepare in the crockpot or in the oven.

Ingredients: ground turkey, grated onion, almond flour (or oat flour), nutritional yeast, granulated garlic powder, cayenne pepper sauce, butter (traditional or dairy-free) and salt

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5 stars (24 ratings)

Crockpot Turkey Soup

Made with carrots, celery, onions and potatoes, this comforting crockpot turkey soup is so easy to prepare. The perfect way to stretch leftover turkey meat into extra meals. Also has instructions for stovetop and the Instant Pot!

Ingredients: cooked turkey, chicken stock, onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt

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5 stars (8 ratings)

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

These easy and healthy slow cooker turkey meatballs use ground turkey for an easy-prep meal that requires not pre-browning!

Ingredients: ground turkey, marinara sauce, basil, spinach, onion, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and salt.

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5 stars (15 ratings)

Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup

Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is hearty one-pot meal that’s packed with the good stuff. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe your family will love.

Ingredients: ground turkey (or ground beef), onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, stock, spinach, Italian seasoning and other spices

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Sausage & Pork

4.96 stars (24 ratings)

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers

Wildly easy to prepare with crowd-pleasing results, Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers requires no browning and makes a simple weeknight dinner. It’s a party go-to, that’s guaranteed to please!

Ingredients: sweet Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and jarred marinara sauce.

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4.96 stars (25 ratings)

Sausage, Cabbage & Sweet Potato Stew (Instant Pot, Crockpot, Stove Top)

Sausage, Cabbage & Sweet Potato Stew is a super-simple, ultra comforting one-pot meal that comes together in a matter of minutes. A cozy, delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, whole30 recipe that can be made in the Instant Pot, Crockpot or stove top.

Ingredients: polish beef sausage, stock, sweet potato, purple cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar

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5 stars (7 ratings)

Slow Cooker Carnitas

This slow cooker carnitas recipe is super easy to prepare and yields wildly delicious, succulent results everytime. Serve the carnitas warm as a filling for tacos, burritos or in bowls for an easy weeknight dinner win!

Ingredients: pork loin roast (or pork shoulder), orange juice, lime juice, cumin, mild chili powder, garlic powder and salt.

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Sides

4.97 stars (31 ratings)

Slow Cooker Potatoes

These slow cooker potatoes are the definition of simple and delicious. All you need are a handful of pantry ingredients and a crockpot. Easy prep for weeknight dinners, but this classic, cozy recipe makes a great addition to the holiday table too!

Ingredients: small potatoes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.

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5 stars (4 ratings)

Slow Cooker Cabbage

Yes, you can cook cabbage in the slow cooker and it comes out silky, tender, and full of flavor! Elevate the humble cabbage with this minimal prep recipe – all you have to do is chop the cabbage. The perfect vegetable side!

Ingredients: cabbage, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, bacon (optional), traditional or vegan butter (optional).

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5 stars (2 ratings)

Easiest Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

Nearly effortless to prepare, slow cooker sweet potatoes are an easy side dish for weeknight dinners, for meal prep, or for any holiday table!

Ingredients: sweet potatoes.

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5 stars (2 ratings)

Easy Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes

Yes, you can make perfect baked potatoes in the slow cooker! The easiest hands-off way to feed a crowd, create an effortless baked potato bar, or an easy side dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients: Russet potatoes, olive oil and salt.

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Vegetarian

5 stars (8 ratings)

Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup

This easy butternut squash and red pepper soup recipe is smooth, creamy, and can be made with minimal ingredients using simple pantry ingredients. Includes stovetop and slow cooker instructions.

Ingredients: butternut squash, roasted red peppers, tomato paste, coconut milk (or heavy cream), chicken stock (or vegetable stock), garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, olive oil and salt.

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5 stars (8 ratings)

Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup

Creamy and warming, pumpkin and sweet potato soup is an easy, healthy, vegan soup that can be made with canned pumpkin on the stovetop or in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Ingredients: sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree, chipotle peppers, vegetable broth, coconut milk or cream, pumpkin pie spice, olive oil, onion, garlic powder, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and salt.

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5 stars (9 ratings)

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Cozy, warming, and wildly simple to prepare, this easy slow cooker butternut squash soup gets tons of flavor from sweet apple and doesn't contain any curry powder! Once you make it, this will become your new favorite butternut squash soup.

Ingredients: Butternut squash, apples, onion, carrot, turmeric, coconut milk, vegetable stock, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and other spices.

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5 stars (2 ratings)

Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup

Lusciously creamy (with no cream) this simple dump-and-go slow cooker potato leek soup is naturally vegan and packed with veggies for a tasty and sustaining, nourishing meal anytime. Can easily be made nut-free & dairy-free, with or without bacon, or on the stovetop!

Ingredients: leeks, potatoes, celery, carrots, garlic, vegetable stock, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, cashews (or cream / coconut milk), butter (traditional or plant-based) and salt.

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5 stars (23 ratings)

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup (with Canned Pumpkin!)

This easy slow cooker pumpkin soup recipe is so easy to prepare with canned pumpkin! It's a simple dump-and-go slow cooker meal that's perfectly rich, creamy and oh-so cozy.

Ingredients: canned pumpkin puree, vegetable stock, canned tomato sauce, cream or coconut milk, onion, garlic, cinnamon and salt.

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4.93 stars (26 ratings)

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Apple, & Turmeric Soup

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Apple & Turmeric Soup is a simple chop and drop recipe that yields creamy, nourishing results. It’s a hit with the entire family, plus is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo and Whole30 friendly!

Ingredients: sweet potato, apple, potatoes, stock, coconut milk, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, turmeric and other seasonings

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Easiest Whole30 Crockpot Recipes (43)

5 stars (1 rating)

Whole30 Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes + Whole30 Slow Cooker Recipes

Servings: 4

This Crockpot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes recipe is the easiest, most delicious, wildly simple recipe you’ll find anywhere. What’s more, everything cooks together in the slow cooker, so prep is super fast and cleanup is a breeze! Plus, 45 more whole30 slow cooker recipes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup salsa, divided*
  • 4 small Russet potatoes, scrubbed

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh Tomato Salsa
  • Easy Guacamole
  • Chopped cilantro, chopped green onion, pickled red onion, sour cream

Instructions

  • Add ½ cup salsa to a 6-quart slow cooker.

  • Sprinkle the chicken with the salt, then add to the slow cooker, flipping once or twice to coat in salsa. Add the potatoes on top of the chicken in an even layer.

  • Cover, then cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6, until the potatoes and chicken are cooked through.

  • Using kitchen tongs, carefully remove the potatoes. Set aside.

  • Using two forks, shred the chicken or cut into bite-sized chunks, then stir into the cooking liquid.

  • Slice each potato in half, then top with the shredded chicken, remaining salsa, and any other toppings you like.

Notes

*Look for a thick salsa, without any added sugar or preservatives. I’ve found that an organic, jarred, shelf-stable variety works well.

Serve the chicken without salsa and potatoes (butter makes it better!) separately for resistant eaters. Offer a toppings bar so everyone can create their own masterpiece.

Small potatoes work best for this recipe. Medium- to large-sized potatoes won’t cook all the way through. If you have extra large potatoes, slice the in half lengthwise prior to adding to the slow cooker.

Want to make this one in the Instant Pot? Check out this Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes recipe.

Author: Robyn Conley Downs

Course: dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 (of 4), Calories: 446kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 54g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 145mg, Sodium: 645mg, Potassium: 1895mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 382IU, Vitamin C: 16mg, Calcium: 57mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition disclaimer

Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

How to Store & Freeze

All of these recipes will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, in a sealed container.

Many of these recipes also freeze well, stored in a sealed freezer friendly container for up to 2-3 months.

Easiest Whole30 Crockpot Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What goes in first in a slow cooker? ›

Slow cooker recipes have (obviously) long cook times, and it's the meat—not the carrots—that benefit from it. By placing the protein at the bottom (closest to the heating element), and vegetables at the top, you can keep your plant parts a little more toothsome, while ensuring your meat is fall-apart tender.

How do you mimic a slow cooker? ›

Opt for a heavy, oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid, like a Staub or Le Creuset Dutch oven, to mimic the moisture retention of a slow cooker. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents excessive drying out.

How do you cook small amounts in a large slow cooker? ›

Size Matters: Choose an oven-safe bowl that fits inside your slow cooker. This bowl should be big enough to hold your meal but small enough to allow space around it. Filling Right: Aim to fill the oven-safe bowl two-thirds to three-quarters full to ensure even cooking.

Can you cook everything in a crockpot? ›

Most people use a slow cooker for meat, poultry and vegetables, although fruits, desserts, stuffing and oatmeal can also be prepared. All ingredients placed in a slow cooker should be thawed. Choose to make foods with high moisture content such as chili, soup, stew or spaghetti sauce.

What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  1. Raw Meat.
  2. Seafood.
  3. Pasta.
  4. Rice.
  5. Delicate Vegetables.
  6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  7. Dairy.
  8. Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

What is the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot? ›

However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.

What's better than a slow cooker? ›

An Instant Pot is a countertop appliance that slow-cooks—and then some. It is a brand of multicooker, an appliance known for having lots of features, typically including slow cooking, pressure cooking, rice cooking, steaming, searing, fermenting, and more. In sum, multicookers do more than slow cookers.

What cooks faster than a crockpot? ›

A pressure cooker can cook the same types of delicious recipes that a slow cooker can and so much more, but cook them substantially faster (click for pressure cooker recipes).

Can you put a pyrex bowl in a slow cooker? ›

You will get better results with Pyrex and metal cooking containers in a lot of situations. Can you put a Pyrex dish in a slow cooker? Yes, of course.

Can you put glass in a crockpot? ›

Instead of buying a separate mini slow cooker, you can place a 2-cup heat-resistant glass measuring cup inside your regular slow cooker! This trick is great for small batches of slow-cooked foods, like dips, toppings, or cooking for one.

What size slow cooker is best for a single person? ›

If You're Cooking for One or Two People: Buy a 3-Quart Slow Cooker. If you're cooking for one to two people and you're not a fan of leftovers, or simply don't have the space to stash them in the fridge or freezer, a 3-quart (or 3 1/2-quart, as they're sold by some brands) slow cooker is just right for you.

What is the best meat to cook in a slow cooker? ›

Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.

Is it OK to leave the crockpot on all day? ›

Slow cooker recipes are often designed for an eight-hour cook so that the food is ready when you return home after a long day. Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it.

Is it safe to put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

Research conducted by USDA FSIS indicates it's safe to cook large cuts of meat and poultry in a slow cooker. Follow the manufacturer's recipes and safety guidelines. Start clean. Start with clean hands, utensils surfaces and a clean cooker.

What order to put food in a slow cooker? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

Should meat or vegetables go in the crockpot first? ›

Fill the crock pot at least half full and no more than two-thirds full. Thaw frozen meats and vegetables before placing in the crock pot. Place dense vegetables in crock pot first, such as carrots and potatoes, since they take longer than meats to cook.

How do you layer food in a slow cooker? ›

Layer food properly

Remember that the slow cooker's heat source is directly on the bottom. Whatever food will take the longest to cook needs to be placed into the slow cooker first to absorb the most heat. This usually translates into tougher cuts of meat and root vegetables like sweet potatoes or winter squash.

How do you use a slow cooker step by step? ›

Just plug in your slow cooker, add your chosen recipe's ingredients, set the cooker to low or high, depending on the recipe's instructions, add the lid and let it cook. Once your dish is done cooking, you can either switch the slow cooker off to turn off the heating element, or warm if you're not ready to enjoy it yet.

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