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 family favorite after I first served it on a chilly evening. The aroma filled the house and everyone asked for seconds.
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
- Chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley: 1/4 cup
- Toasted slivered almonds: Optional, for serving
Instructions
- Sear 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.)
- Add Ingredients:
- Add the chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, and apricots to the slow cooker.
- Mix Spices:
- 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.
Pin It Our family gathers around the table whenever this tagine is made; it always sparks stories and laughter.
Required Tools
Slow cooker, 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.
Pin It 
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully for busy weeks.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I skip searing the chicken?
Searing the chicken adds extra depth of flavor but is optional. You can place raw chicken directly into the slow cooker if pressed for time.
- → What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but thighs stay moist better during slow cooking. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or firm tofu.
- → How should I adjust spices for heat?
The pinch of cayenne is optional for mild heat. Adjust or omit depending on your preference for spiciness.
- → Can this be cooked on high in the slow cooker?
Cooking on low for 5 hours yields tender results, but you can cook on high for about 3 hours. Check doneness to avoid drying out.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Couscous, rice, or quinoa are great bases to soak up the flavorful juices. A glass of rosé or Moroccan mint tea complements the spices nicely.
- → Are toasted almonds necessary?
Toasted almonds add crunch and a nutty touch but can be omitted or substituted with another nut or seed.