Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken and sweet potatoes simmered with warm spices in a slow cooker for easy, comforting flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
07 - 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved

→ Spices & Aromatics

08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
13 - 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
17 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Liquids

18 - 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
19 - 1 tablespoon honey
20 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Finishing Touches

21 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
22 - Toasted slivered almonds (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken pieces for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned to enhance flavor (optional).
02 - Transfer chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, and apricots into the slow cooker.
03 - Mix ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, allspice, black pepper, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl; sprinkle the mixture evenly over the slow cooker ingredients.
04 - Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, then drizzle honey and lemon juice over the top.
05 - Stir ingredients gently to combine, cover, and cook on low for 5 hours until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are cooked through.
06 - Taste and modify salt or spices as necessary before serving.
07 - Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley and toasted almonds if desired. Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy, gluten-free and dairy-free weeknight meal
  • One-pot slow cooker convenience with Moroccan-inspired flavors
02 -
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with canned chickpeas or cubed firm tofu.
  • Pairs well with a chilled glass of rosé or Moroccan mint tea.
03 -
  • Searing the chicken first adds extra depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.
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