Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Bowls

This dish combines juicy chicken thighs with sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, and dried apricots, all infused with a fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and other warm spices. Slow-cooking melds the flavors while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Finished with fresh cilantro and toasted almonds, this comforting meal offers a rich balance of sweet and savory notes, perfect for an easy, flavorful dinner.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:58:00 GMT
Golden, slow-cooked Soft Spice Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, richly flavored and tender with hints of spice. Pin it
Golden, slow-cooked Soft Spice Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, richly flavored and tender with hints of spice. | plumcrescent.com

A comforting, aromatic tagine featuring tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and a gentle blend of warm spices, all simmered together in a slow cooker for an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.

This dish quickly became a favorite in our household thanks to its comforting spices and effortless cooking method.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs (700 g), cut into large chunks
  • Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
  • Carrots: 2, peeled and sliced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can, drained
  • Dried apricots: 1/2 cup, halved
  • Ground cumin: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Ground coriander: 1 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground turmeric: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
  • Sweet paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground allspice: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp, adjust to taste
  • Cayenne pepper: Pinch, optional for mild heat
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
  • Honey: 1 tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley: 1/4 cup chopped
  • Toasted slivered almonds: Optional for serving

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Instructions

Sear the chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Optional for deeper flavor.
Combine in slow cooker:
Add the chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, and apricots to the slow cooker.
Prepare the spice mix:
In a small bowl, combine cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, allspice, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Sprinkle the spice mix over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Add liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth, then drizzle the honey and lemon juice over the top.
Cook:
Gently stir to combine, cover, and cook on LOW for 5 hours or until the chicken is very tender and sweet potatoes are cooked through.
Adjust seasoning:
Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted almonds, if desired. Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa.
Aromatic slow-cooked Soft Spice Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, served in a warm bowl with fresh herbs. Pin it
Aromatic slow-cooked Soft Spice Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, served in a warm bowl with fresh herbs. | plumcrescent.com

Sharing this tagine has brought so many cozy dinners and smiles to our family table.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (4-6 quart), chefs knife, cutting board, skillet (optional for searing), measuring cups and spoons.

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts if using almonds. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Double-check chicken broth and spice blends for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 410 calories, 8 g total fat, 51 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein.

Deliciously spiced, slow-cooker Soft Spice Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Pin it
Deliciously spiced, slow-cooker Soft Spice Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. | plumcrescent.com

This tagine is a simple yet enchanting dish that warms both the kitchen and hearts alike.

Recipe Questions & Answers

β†’ What spices are used in this slow-cooked dish?

The blend includes ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, sweet paprika, allspice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt for warming, layered flavors.

β†’ Can I add a vegetarian protein substitute?

Yes, chickpeas can be added at the start for a plant-based version or firm tofu in the last hour for a satisfying texture.

β†’ How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

The chicken is very tender and easily pulls apart after 5 hours on low heat, and the sweet potatoes should be soft.

β†’ What garnishes enhance the final dish?

Chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley and toasted slivered almonds add freshness and texture when sprinkled on top just before serving.

β†’ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

This slow-cooked chicken is excellent served over couscous, rice, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices.

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Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken

Tender chicken and sweet potatoes gently cooked with aromatic warm spices in a slow cooker.

Prep time
20 minutes
Time to cook
300 minutes
Overall time
320 minutes
Created by Avery Hayes

Recipe type One-Pot Comfort Bowls

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Moroccan-Inspired

Total made 4 Portions

Dietary details No dairy, No gluten

Ingredient list

Meats

01 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
06 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved

Spices & Aromatics

01 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
02 1 tsp ground coriander
03 1 tsp ground cinnamon
04 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
05 1/2 tsp ground ginger
06 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
07 1/4 tsp ground allspice
08 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
09 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste
10 Pinch cayenne pepper, optional

Liquids

01 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1 tbsp honey
03 1 tbsp lemon juice

Finishing Touches

01 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
02 Toasted slivered almonds, optional for serving

How-to

Step 01

Optional Chicken Searing: 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 for enhanced flavor.

Step 02

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, and apricots to the slow cooker.

Step 03

Prepare and Add Spice Blend: Mix cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, allspice, black pepper, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over ingredients in the slow cooker.

Step 04

Add Liquids and Sweeteners: Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, then drizzle honey and lemon juice over the top.

Step 05

Slow Cook Until Tender: Gently stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 5 hours until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are fully cooked.

Step 06

Season and Adjust: Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed before serving.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted almonds if desired. Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa.

Tools Needed

  • Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet (optional, for searing)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy warnings

Review all ingredients for allergy risks and speak with your healthcare provider if you're concerned.
  • Contains tree nuts if almonds are used.

Nutrition details (per portion)

These details are for reference and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 410
  • Fat content: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 51 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams

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