21 Pretty Lazy Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes Anyone Can Make
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
When it comes to Thanksgiving, my crockpot is my secret to an easy, stress-free, enjoyable cooking experience that produces scrumptious meals like these lazy Thanksgiving crockpot recipes!
Today, I have a fabulous list of 21 Thanksgiving crockpot recipes that are “pretty lazy,” but in the best way: simply toss in the ingredients, set it, forget it, and enjoy this special time with family and friends.
Think – creamy dreamy Tuscan chicken, spicy protein chili, comforting pumpkin soup, and a fun twist on a classic – butternut squash mac and cheese. There’s something for everyone at the table, including Keto-dieters, vegans, and even those fussy kids who usually dodge the veggies.
This year, I plan to spend less time in the kitchen and still serve up yummy food – and you can too!

1. Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

Let’s start with this healthy Thanksgiving dinner because it feels fancy enough for Thanksgiving, but it’s basically a dump-and-relax recipe.
Just let the crockpot simmer away with chicken, creamy garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, and you’ll have a dish that tastes like you worked all day.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 446
- Fats: 28g
- Protein: 44g
- Carbs: 7.3g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 3g
2. Crockpot Pesto Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com
My crockpot pesto chicken is a total win for a pretty lazy Thanksgiving dinner. Just toss in chicken, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Your kitchen will smell like a Tuscan harvest, with basil and garlic notes warming the air. Serve it alongside roasted veggies and stuffing for an unforgettable festive feast.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 622
- Fats: 37g
- Protein: 60g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 5.5g
3. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Source: allnutritious.com
Who can resist a taco? Not me, but I don’t want to order takeout that is greasy and unhealthy.
This lazy crockpot recipe brings all the classic taco flavors, using only wholesome ingredients, and taking no time at all to make.
Serve with tortillas, avocado, cilantro, and a side of beans. It’s festive, casual, and perfect for Thanksgiving with a difference.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 201
- Fats: 9.4g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 15.5g
- Fiber: 10.7g
- Sugar: 2.6g
4. Crockpot Mississippi Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com
Juicy chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, savory gravy, and tangy pepperoncini – this is a hearty, cozy dish that’ll warm hearts and bellies.
It takes only 10 minutes to prepare, and your crockpot does all the work. The recipe is also great for meal prep, so you can make it ahead of the big day and simply heat it up when everyone is ready for the feast.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 349
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 6.7g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 2.7g
5. Slow Cooker Protein Chili

Source: allnutritious.com
Packed with lean ground beef, black beans, kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and sweet kernel corn with a spicy dressing, this lazy dish is a Mexican fiesta on a plate.
Top with avocado, sour cream, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips, and let everyone tuck in.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 471
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 39g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 17g
- Sugar: 12g
6. Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com
Next up – rich, creamy cream cheese paired with tender, shredded chicken, and Italian seasoning, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, while you relax and enjoy the day.
I LUV this recipe for Thanksgiving. It only takes 15 minutes to prep and uses one dish. To make it more festive, I add cheesy garlic broccoli, and it’s a win.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 407
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 2g
7. Pumpkin Soup

Source: jessicainthekitchen.com
Fall means pumpkins! And I have to make pumpkin soup to get us through the cold nights, so why not make it for Thanksgiving too?
Jessica’s recipe is warm, cozy, and perfectly spiced. One sip and it feels like a hug in a bowl. Serve it with crusty bread or a green salad before the main course and wait for the smiles.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 220
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
8. Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Source: bucketlisttummy.com
Here’s a fab dish that blends sweet, spicy, and savory in the most comforting way. It’s made with hearty beans, ground chicken, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup.
Toss all the ingredients into the crockpot and let the magic happen while you join in the festive fun. Serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt, and you’ll have a harvest-style bowl that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 318
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 11g
9. Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Source: saltandlavender.com
When I first spotted Natasha’s recipe, I knew I had to try it, and wow, it didn’t disappoint! A cozy bowl of Italian sausage, tomatoes, cheese tortellini, a touch of cream, garlic, and spinach had me hooked.
I am certainly going to make this for Thanksgiving. I’ll dump everything into my crockpot, and when it’s ready, everyone can help themselves to a bowl with crusty garlic bread on the side. Perfect!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 709
- Fats: 43g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 13g
10. Butter Chicken

Source: littlesunnykitchen.com
How about enjoying the rich, comforting taste of butter chicken without the greasy takeout? Just let your crockpot do the work and serve up a cozy, homemade, healthy version for Thanksgiving.
This butter chicken is spicy (but not too spicy), creamy, and filling. Go authentic and serve it with fluffy Basmati rice or warm Naan.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 580
- Fats: 58g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
11. Chicken Vegetable Soup

Source: thekitchengirl.com
Chicken soup can be heavy if it’s loaded with starchy noodles. That’s why this recipe from The Kitchen Girl is a great option that’s lighter, lower in carbs, and still totally satisfying.
There is no soggy pasta, just rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty veggies.
Prep the ingredients and let your crockpot do the rest while you laze the day away. Then, serve it with crusty garlic bread to soak up the drool-worthy broth.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 103
- Fats: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
12. Pork Tenderloin

Source: saltandlavender.com
My fam loves pork tenderloin, but for me, it’s just too much work to make in the oven.
With Natasha’s homemade spice rub of smoked paprika, sugar, and aromatics, this tenderloin comes out juicy, flavorful, and truly unforgettable. It looks and tastes so elegant, no one will believe it came from your kitchen.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 272
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
13. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Source: itsavegworldafterall.com
A fun twist on classic mac and cheese – perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s an all-veggie dish, but I guarantee that the kids will LUV it.
It’s hearty, creamy and comforting, made with butternut squash, onions, garlic, and broth, cooked until perfectly tender, and then pureed. The vibrant orange color is sure to cheer up everyone on the coldest night.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 521
- Fats: 14g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 77g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 9g
14. Chicken Potato Soup

Source: therusticfoodie.com
Christine at The Rustic Foodie has a recipe that ticks all the boxes for a meal that’s dairy-free, filling, exciting, healthy, comforting, and ultra-tasty.
This soup is loaded with wholesome veggies and shredded chicken in a flavorful broth. And, since it uses pantry staples that you probably already have, it’s super easy to make.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 203
- Fats: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
15. Kabocha Squash Chili

Source: runningtothekitchen.com
Fall is the best time to enjoy Kabocha squash – a Japanese variety with vibrant orange flesh and a naturally sweet, nutty taste. If you’re wondering how to cook it, Gina from Running to the Kitchen has the answer.
Her recipe is a flavor celebration, pairing the squash with cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle, cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves for a warm, spicy kick. Give it a try for Thanksgiving.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 362
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 7g
16. Mushroom Barley Stew

Source: itsavegworldafterall.com
Here’s the ultimate lazy crockpot stew!
Simply dump mushrooms, barley, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, bay leaf, and veggie broth into your cooker, set it, and forget it.
This is a cozy, warming, comforting meal that will bring everyone together around the table, reminding us what the holiday is really about.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 175
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 7g
17. Pumpkin Lasagna

Source: healthyslowcooking.com
This gorgeous lasagna is a dreamy delight.
Pumpkin and velvety tofu ricotta are layered with noodles and marinara, then slow-cooked to perfection, with a fraction of the effort and none of the mess of an oven-baked lasagna.
It’s cozy and elegant for a Thanksgiving harvest table, leaving everyone feeling nourished, satisfied, and thankful for every bite.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 406
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 73g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
18. Mushroom Wild Rice Soup

Source: jessicainthekitchen.com
“Lazy” and “mushroom wild rice soup” didn’t sound like a match made in heaven for me until I found this awesome recipe from Jessica. It’s a prep-in-15-minutes, dump-and-go meal that tastes ultra delicious.
Warm, creamy, and comforting, you’ll love the earthy, velvety taste of mushrooms, the nutty flavor of wild rice, and the perfect blend of seasoning.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 153
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
19. Moroccan Chicken Thighs

Source: rachelcooks.com
Bring the rich, bold flavors of Morocco to your Thanksgiving feast with this restaurant-worthy recipe from Rachel Cooks.
It’s a soul-satisfying combo of all the warm spices – cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, cayenne pepper, and turmeric – with butternut squash, tasty chicken thighs, and golden raisins for sweetness.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 418
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 18g
20. Turkey Chili

Source: chefsavvy.com
If you’re set on turkey for Thanksgiving, why not try this recipe for a change?
It’s a pretty lazy meal made with lean ground turkey, black beans, kidney beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, and loads of spices, all in your crockpot.
When ready, serve with tortilla chips, loads of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and diced avo. Yum!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 175
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
21. Chicken Tortellini Soup

Source: dinneratthezoo.com
This cozy crockpot soup mixes tender chicken, cheese tortellini, veggies, and a savory broth for a bowl full of comfort. Throw it together before things get hectic and enjoy the fun while it cooks itself.
Serve the soup in large mugs alongside warm slices of crusty bread, for a starter that feels just right for Thanksgiving evening.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 380
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 36g
- Carbs: 37g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g










