Easy Slow Cooker Freezer Dumps 5 Ways for Perfect Busy Weeknight Meals
These easy slow cooker freezer dumps are a game-changer for anyone who wants tasty meals without last-minute scrambling. Prep in under 15 minutes, freeze, and dump into your slow cooker for comforting, flavorful dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Variation 1: Classic Italian – 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Variation 2: Honey Garlic – 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp grated ginger
- Variation 3: Mexican Fiesta – 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 can black beans (drained), 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- Variation 4: Creamy Ranch – 1 packet or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning mix, 1/2 cup sour cream, fresh parsley for garnish
- Variation 5: BBQ Pulled Chicken – 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and lay out on a clean surface.
- Trim excess fat or skin from chicken; cut into chunks if desired.
- Chop onion and mince garlic.
- Mix seasonings and sauces in a bowl according to chosen variation.
- Layer ingredients in freezer bags starting with chicken, then onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, and seasoning mixture or dry spices on top.
- Squeeze out excess air and seal bags tightly.
- Label bags with recipe name and date; freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to cook, thaw in fridge overnight or place sealed bag in cold water for about an hour.
- Dump entire bag contents into slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Add finishing touches: stir in sour cream for creamy ranch, shred chicken in pot for BBQ version.
- Serve warm over rice, noodles, or with crusty bread.
Notes
If sauce is too watery near the end, remove lid and cook on high for 20-30 minutes to thicken. Cooking from frozen requires adding 1-2 extra hours on low. Use slow cooker liners for easier cleanup. For stovetop cooking, simmer thawed ingredients in a covered pot for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning before serving as slow cooking can mellow flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 350450
- Sugar: 612
- Sodium: 400700
- Fat: 1015
- Saturated Fat: 24
- Carbohydrates: 1525
- Fiber: 35
- Protein: 3040
Keywords: slow cooker, freezer meals, easy dinner, chicken recipes, busy weeknight meals, dump and go, crockpot, meal prep