Best Versatile Crockpot Recipes: Easy and Convenient

Overview

Crockpots, or slow cookers, are a kitchen staple for busy households, allowing for hands-off cooking of flavorful and tender dishes. Here are two versatile crockpot recipes: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork and Slow Cooker Chicken Curry.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the crockpot.

2. Season Pork:

   • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder.

3. Add Liquids:

   • Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the crockpot. Pour the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar over the pork.

4. Cook:

   • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.

5. Shred and Serve:

   • Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and stir to combine with the juices. Serve on buns with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.

Kitchen Tools Required

• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Small bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks

Background

Pulled pork is a Southern BBQ staple, traditionally slow-cooked to achieve tender, flavorful meat. Using a crockpot makes this process convenient and easy, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger in the bottom of the crockpot.

2. Add Chicken and Spices:

   • Add the chicken chunks, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

3. Cook:

   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the chicken curry over rice, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.

Kitchen Tools Required

• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Background

Chicken curry is a beloved dish in many cultures, known for its rich and aromatic flavors. This crockpot version simplifies the cooking process, allowing the spices to meld and create a deeply flavorful sauce.