Slow-Cooker Weeknight Dinners for Spring

Make a big batch to set yourself up with savory lunch leftovers throughout the week. Your future self will thank you! 

Recipe: Try our Slow-Cooker Paella

It's (slow-cooked) Taco Tuesday! Top the tender, sweet-and-spicy marinated chicken with crumbled goat cheese and shredded cabbage-pineapple slaw. Kick back with a Sparkling Tequila Gimlet or a DIY Margarita, and let the pot do the work! 

Recipe: Try our Red Chile-Chicken Tacos

Cook the chicken, covered, on low heat for about 5 hours, and then top with creamy sauce when you're ready to serve. 

Recipe: Try our Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tarragon Chicken

A corn-y (sorry!) take on chicken and vegetable soup that's hearty and healthy. Garnish with avocado, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

Recipe: Try our Cobble It Up! Chicken and Corn Soup

TGIF! Head into the weekend with crowd-pleasing pulled pork sandwiches drizzled in your favorite BBQ sauce getting us excited for backyard hangouts ahead. 

Recipe: Try our Cola Pulled Pork Sandwiches

For the paella:

• 2 tablespoons EVOO
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika
• 2 cups short-or medium-grain rice, such as Arborio
• 1 14 1/2 ounce can whole tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 8 ounce package cured chorizo, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• A pinch saffron (optional)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups thawed frozen peas
• 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges

For the red chile-chicken tacos: 

• 1 whole chicken (4 lbs.)
• 4 dried chiles (such as pasilla negro and ancho)
• 2 can (15 oz.) sliced pineapple with its juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 onion, peeled
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 head red cabbage, cored
• 4 carrots, peeled and halved
• 1 bunch scallions, greens chopped (whites reserved for another use)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 12 corn tortillas
• 8 ounce log goat cheese

For the tarragon chicken: 

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. chicken broth
• 4 pounds bone-in chicken parts (breasts, drumsticks and thighs), skin discarded
• 4 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
• Salt and pepper
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 lemon, finely zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon

For the chicken and corn soup:

• 1 pound yellow-fleshed potatoes, such as yukon gold, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs.), quartered
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 3 ears corn, cut into 3-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 avocados, cut into cubes
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

For the pulled pork sandwiches: 

• 6 pounds boneless pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
• 1 cup cola
• Potato buns, pickle chips and barbecue sauce, for serving