Pin it 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 slow-cooker tagine became a favorite in my house for its rich flavor and effortless preparation that fills the kitchen with warm aromas.
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
Instructions
- Step 1:
- 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.)
- Step 2:
- Add the chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, and apricots to the slow cooker.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Pour in the chicken broth, then drizzle the honey and lemon juice over the top.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
- Step 7:
- To serve, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted almonds, if desired. Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa.
Pin it This recipe brings my family together around the table every week with its scrumptious flavors and comforting warmth.
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
Calories 410, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 51 g, Protein 32 g (per serving)
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Enjoy this easy slow-cooker tagine as a comforting meal any night of the week.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I substitute chicken with a vegetarian option?
Yes, replace chicken with canned chickpeas added at the start or firm tofu cubed in the last hour of cooking for a plant-based variation.
- → How can I add more heat to the dish?
Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes to the spice blend to introduce mild to moderate heat.
- → Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing is optional but enhances flavor by adding a lightly browned crust and deeper aroma to the final dish.
- → What are good serving suggestions for the tagine?
Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa to soak up the rich sauce and complement the tender ingredients.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well refrigerated for up to 3 days and flavors often deepen overnight. Reheat gently before serving.