Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken (Printable)

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

# Ingredient list:

→ Meats

01 - 1.5 lbs 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 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1 tsp ground coriander
10 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
12 - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
13 - 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
14 - 1/4 tsp ground allspice
15 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
16 - 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste
17 - Pinch cayenne pepper, optional

→ Liquids

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

→ Finishing Touches

21 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
22 - Toasted slivered almonds, optional for serving

# How-to:

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 for enhanced flavor.
02 - Add chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, and apricots to the slow cooker.
03 - 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.
04 - Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, then drizzle honey and lemon juice over the top.
05 - Gently stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 5 hours until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are fully cooked.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed before serving.
07 - Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted almonds if desired. Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy slow-cooker preparation
  • Rich Moroccan-inspired flavors
02 -
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with canned chickpeas or cubed firm tofu.
  • This dish pairs well with chilled rosé or Moroccan mint tea.
03 -
  • Searing the chicken first adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
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