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Cooking in the fall is one of my absolute favorite things to do. There’s something about the crisp air and the colorful leaves that calls for cozy meals. Using a slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare heartwarming dishes that fill the house with delightful aromas. Fall crockpot recipes are perfect for gathering with friends and family, and they simplify meal prep while ensuring you get to savor every flavorful bite.
In this article, I’m excited to share some wonderfully delicious and easy fall crockpot recipes. We’ll explore everything from warming soups to comforting meat dishes, and of course, I’ll spotlight a standout recipe that I know you’re going to love!
Slow cooking is ideally suited for fall recipes because it allows the vibrant flavors of seasonal ingredients to develop beautifully. The blend of spices and the long cooking process creates an inviting aroma that makes coming home feel like a warm hug. Plus, as the days get busier with back-to-school activities and holidays coming up, I love how the crockpot simplifies my cooking routine.
When I think of fall flavors, I instantly think of comforting ingredients like pumpkin, squash, apples, root vegetables, cranberries, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Slow cooking enhances these delicious flavors, allowing them to meld and create that perfect harmony that defines autumnal cuisine.
Hearty soups and stews are quintessential for fall, and they’re a perfect match for slow cooking. Nothing beats sitting down to a warm bowl of soup after a long day. They too can be thrown together quickly, left to simmer, and then enjoyed when you’re ready. Here are a few recipe ideas that might inspire you:
Featured Recipe: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
One of my go-to fall recipes is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. It’s not only easy to prepare, but the combination of flavors is simply out of this world. The creamy sauce and tender chicken are the perfect match for a cozy evening indoors. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream ((READ NOTES BELOW FIRST!))
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on both sides with the seasoning mix.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter, allowing the butter to melt.
- Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, take the pan off the heat, and set aside. Note: You are not cooking the chicken all the way, just browning it. Turn off the heat but keep the leftover oil and butter in the pan.
- Whisk together 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 3 tablespoons cornstarch in a bowl until there are no lumps.
- Add the chicken broth mixture to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream (see my notes below), 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
- Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker and pour the olive oil and butter from the pan on top.
- Top each piece of chicken with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The larger your chicken breasts, the more time they may need to cook. Avoid lifting the lid while it cooks to keep the heat in.
- Remove the chicken breasts and whisk in 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Add the chicken back into the slow cooker, cover with sauce, and top with 6-8 fresh chopped basil leaves before serving.
As the savory chicken simmers away, it’s hard to resist sneaking a taste! This dish not only embodies the essence of fall but also brings ease to your meal prep.
If you’re looking for even more fall soup and stew recipes to keep the cozy vibes going, I recommend trying Some of my favorites include:
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Pumpkin Soup
- Lasagna Soup
- Zuppa Toscana
- Italian Wedding Soup
When it comes to meat dishes, fall recipes shine through. They’re comforting and hearty, perfect for chilly evenings. Some excellent options for your crockpot include:
- Mississippi Pot Roast
- Apple Chicken
- Whole Chicken and Vegetables
- Taco Meat
- Hamburger Soup
- Sausage & Peppers
Don’t forget that amazing vegetarian and vegan options also shine in the fall. Slow cooking brings out incredible flavors and textures! Think hearty veggie stews full of squash and fresh herbs.
Breakfast and brunch can also be transformed into something special with the slow cooker, like overnight oats or apple cinnamon steel-cut oats. You can even whip up classic side dishes such as mashed potatoes or green bean casserole.
For busy weeknights, you can stick to quick and easy crockpot wonders that ensure you come home to a hot meal. Game days are another perfect occasion for your crockpot; I have plenty of crowd-pleasing recipes that will make your gathering a hit!
Transforming your fall crockpot recipes into freezer meals is also a wise strategy to save time. Make sure to freeze the meals safely, and when it’s time to eat, simply thaw and reheat.
When it comes to dietary considerations, I often provide tips for making recipes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free. I’ll include a markdown table in future posts for common ingredient substitutions.
Additionally, to elevate your meals, consider serving options that complement your main dishes, such as warm spiced cider or crunchy artisan bread.
I’ve learned a lot about crockpot cooking and I’m eager to share some essential tips with you. Handling fresh herbs, delicate vegetables, and dairy ingredients are crucial for the best results.
Finally, when you invest in a crockpot, look for features like programmability and size suitability. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, the right crockpot can make all the difference.
I’ve gathered a list of frequently asked questions to help clear up what you might be wondering about using a crockpot for fall cooking.
To sum it all up, I encourage you to discover the joys of using a crockpot this fall. The ease of preparation, the delicious aromas, and the comforting meals that emerge will make your cooking experience enjoyable and rewarding. If you have any questions or want to share your results, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Large skillet
- 6-quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream READ NOTES BELOW FIRST!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on both sides with the seasoning mix.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter, allowing the butter to melt.
- Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, take the pan off the heat, and set aside. Note: You are not cooking the chicken all the way, just browning it. Turn off the heat but keep the leftover oil and butter in the pan.
- Whisk together 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 3 tablespoons cornstarch in a bowl until there are no lumps.
- Add the chicken broth mixture to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
- Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker and pour the olive oil and butter from the pan on top.
- Top each piece of chicken with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The larger your chicken breasts, the more time they may need to cook. Avoid lifting the lid while it cooks to keep the heat in.
- Remove the chicken breasts and whisk in 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Add the chicken back into the slow cooker, cover with sauce, and top with 6-8 fresh chopped basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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A 48-year-old contributing writer based in New York City. He is known for his insightful articles on American cuisine and food culture. With a lifelong passion for cooking and storytelling, David began his journey in the culinary world as a chef before transitioning to writing. He has contributed to various food magazines and blogs, sharing his experiences, recipes, and culinary tips, inspiring home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Through his engaging writing style, David explores the rich tapestry of American cuisine, celebrating its diversity while encouraging readers to experiment in their own kitchens.
 
					 

