Chili Lime Butter Snow Crab and Shrimp Crockpot Feast

This crockpot seafood boil brings together sweet snow crab clusters and jumbo shrimp in a zesty chili lime butter sauce.

With bell peppers, sweet onions, and celery, it's a one-pot meal that's perfect for a casual dinner or a special occasion. Just dump everything in and let the slow cooker do the work.

This recipe is a true dump-and-forget meal: layer the seafood, scatter the vegetables, pour over the seasoned butter, and let the slow cooker transform it all into a bubbling, fragrant feast.

The result is tender, juicy seafood with a bright, buttery sauce that's perfect for soaking into rice. Serve it straight from the pot for an impressive, no-fuss dinner.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow cooker gently cooks the seafood at a low, steady temperature, which keeps the shrimp tender and the crab moist.

Unlike high-heat methods, there's no risk of overcooking or drying out the delicate shellfish. The butter and seasonings meld together as they simmer, creating a rich, cohesive sauce that coats every bite.

Cooking everything in one pot means the flavors build and mingle without extra dishes. The vegetables soften and release their sweetness into the butter, while the seafood absorbs the chili lime notes. It's a hands-off method that delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Notes and substitutions

Snow crab clusters are typically sold pre-cooked and frozen. They just need to be heated through, which is why the cooking time is on the shorter side. If using raw crab, extend the cook time to 5 hours. Jumbo shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them during the last hour.

Chili lime seasoning is available in the spice aisle, but you can make your own with chili powder, lime zest, and a pinch of salt.

Vidalia onions are sweet and mild, but any sweet onion will work. For the best texture, don't skip the celery ribbons—they add a subtle crunch and freshness.

• snow crab clusters: king crab legs or Dungeness crab clusters
• jumbo shrimp: large shrimp or lobster tails
• chili lime seasoning: 1 tbsp chili powder plus 1 tsp lime zest and 1/2 tsp salt
• Vidalia onion: yellow onion or shallots

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon
• Small saucepan