Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken
Try this Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken recipe.
- 1 cup dried apricots roughly chopped
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 2-3 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks (i used 4 and 4)
- 1 tbs ghee or coconut oil
- 1/2 of a medium onion sliced into half rounds
- optional: 1/4 - 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
- 4 cloves of fresh garlic minced
- 1 and 1/2 tbs fresh grated ginger
- 1 and 1/2 tsp unrefined sea salt
- 2 cups homemade bone broth (see recipe here)
- 2 cups sweet potatoes (or carrots or winter squash) cubed into bite-sized pieces
- garnish: fresh cilantro
- Carbohydrate 87.0644500645875 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.60720000049506 g
- Fiber 12.2124002356291 g
- Protein 5.27594000351499 g
- Saturated Fat 0.147655000000484 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (139g)
- Sodium 18.1190000104621 mg
- Sugar 74.8520498289584 g
- Trans Fat 0.659832000348492 g
- Calories 341 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine cumin, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and minced garlic (and optional cayenne) in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Melt the fat of choice on medium heat in a large skillet and cook chicken pieces for 3 minutes on each side. You may need to do this in batches if your pan is not big enough. Transfer into crock pot as you are done.
- When chicken is done, add onions to pan and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add spice mixture and saute another 30 seconds to bring out the flavors. Add extra fat if it begins to stick. Turn off heat.
- Add bone broth, ginger, and sea salt into skillet and then pour entire mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Cook for 3 hours on LOW then add the dried apricots and chopped sweet potatoes (or carrots/winter squash).
- Cook for at least another 3 hours.
- Enjoy! Serve with lots of fresh cilantro for a fragrant, amazing meal.
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, kids’ activities, and maintaining a semblance of a social life leaves little room for elaborate cooking projects. That’s why I’ve fallen head over heels for slow cooker recipes. They’re my secret weapon for creating delicious, healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken is a prime example – a flavorful, aromatic dish that practically cooks itself!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The blend of warm spices – cumin, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom – creates a fragrant and deeply satisfying flavor profile. I love using chicken thighs and drumsticks; they stay wonderfully juicy and tender in the slow cooker. And the addition of sweet potatoes (or carrots, if you prefer) adds a touch of sweetness and heartiness that perfectly complements the savory spices. The dried apricots add a lovely chewy texture and a hint of fruity sweetness that balances the overall richness of the dish. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend night in. And cleanup is a breeze; just toss the crock pot liner in the dishwasher!
Beyond its practicality, this Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – butternut squash would be amazing, or even some chickpeas for extra protein. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper. I sometimes add a splash of orange juice at the end for an extra burst of brightness. And the possibilities for serving are endless. Serve it over couscous, quinoa, rice, or even alongside some crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, too. You can easily prepare it in the morning and have a delicious dinner ready when you get home, saving you valuable time and energy.
Beyond the Recipe: Embracing Slow Cooking
Slow cooking isn’t just about convenience; it’s about embracing a slower, more mindful approach to cooking. It allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating dishes that are far more complex and satisfying than those whipped up quickly on the stovetop. It’s about enjoying the process, the aroma of spices filling your home, and the anticipation of a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day. For me, slow cooking is an act of self-care, a way to nourish my family and myself without sacrificing my precious time or sanity.
This Moroccan chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder to slow down, savor the simple pleasures, and appreciate the magic that can happen when you let food cook gently and slowly. So, ditch the takeout menus, embrace the slow cooker, and treat yourself to this flavorful and heartwarming dish. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Citrus zest: A little orange or lemon zest adds brightness.
- Herb variations: Try fresh parsley or mint instead of cilantro.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over rice, couscous, quinoa, or with a side of naan bread.
- Leftovers? This dish is even better the next day! The flavors have time to meld, making it even more delicious.
Ingredients you might need:
- Slow cooker (crock pot)
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Enjoy this delicious and easy Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken recipe! Let me know in the comments how you liked it and any variations you tried!
