If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich spices, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, then this Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew is exactly what you need.
This stew is a beautiful mix of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, paired with sweet dried apricots, and hearty chickpeas and tomatoes. The best part? It’s all made in the slow cooker, so you can set it up in the morning and come home to an aromatic, filling dinner that’s ready to eat.
This recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of exotic flair in their meals. With tender chicken, a fragrant broth, and a mix of spices that bring just the right amount of warmth, it’s a comforting stew that is perfect for cool evenings. Whether you serve it over couscous, rice, or with some crusty bread, this stew will surely impress with its deep, complex flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew
This dish is a true comfort food with a twist. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Tender Chicken – The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken turns out perfectly tender and infused with the aromatic spices.
- Layered Flavors – The combination of spices, apricots, and chickpeas creates a stew that’s rich, slightly sweet, and full of depth.
- Minimal Prep – Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer for hours, filling your home with an amazing aroma.
- Great for Meal Prep – This stew holds up well and is even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for leftovers or meal prep.
It’s a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, all while being incredibly simple to make.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew
This Moroccan-inspired stew uses aromatic spices and easy-to-find ingredients to create a flavorful meal that will transport you to North Africa:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – These are perfect for slow cooking because they stay moist and tender, absorbing all the flavors of the stew.
- Chickpeas – These hearty beans add texture and soak up the flavors of the broth.
- Dried Apricots – These bring a subtle sweetness to balance the savory spices, making the stew richer and more complex.
- Canned Tomatoes – Adds body and depth to the broth, creating a luscious base.
- Carrots and Onion – These vegetables bring sweetness and flavor to the stew.
- Spices – Cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and paprika are the backbone of the stew’s unique flavor profile.
These ingredients combine to create a fragrant, flavorful stew that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew
This recipe couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these steps to create your delicious stew:
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables – Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onions and carrots to the pot.
- Add the Spices and Liquids – Sprinkle in the cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and paprika. Pour in the canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Add the dried apricots and chickpeas to the mix.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the stew.
- Serve – Serve the stew hot over couscous, rice, or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
In no time, you’ve got a comforting, flavorful stew that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew
This Moroccan chicken stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some great ideas:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Couscous | The fluffy texture of couscous is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. |
| Rice | A bed of steamed rice complements the stew’s richness. |
| Crusty Bread | Serve with crusty bread to dip into the flavorful stew. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant add a light, fresh contrast. |
| Greek Yogurt | A dollop of Greek Yogurt on top of the stew adds creaminess and tang. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew
This stew makes great leftovers, and it’s easy to store and reheat. Here’s how:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat leftovers in the slow cooker on low for about 1 hour.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew
For the best results, follow these tips:
- Use chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor. Chicken breasts are leaner, but thighs really shine in this stew.
- Add extra veggies like sweet potatoes or spinach for a heartier stew.
- Adjust the sweetness – if you prefer a sweeter stew, add a few more apricots or even some raisins.
- Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added brightness and color.
- Serve with warm flatbreads or a side of lemon wedges to brighten up the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes if cooking on high or an hour on low.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with chickpeas and tofu, and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
3. How can I make this stew spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce to give it an extra kick.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more overnight.
5. What should I serve this stew with?
This stew is perfect served with couscous, rice, or flatbreads. You can also pair it with yogurt or roasted vegetables.
This Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew is a perfect way to bring bold, exotic flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. The slow cooker makes it so easy to achieve a rich, flavorful dish that’s ideal for any occasion.
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and vegetables
- Large Skillet For searing chicken (optional)
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 2 cups celery sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 cup dried apricots chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs, carrots, celery, garlic, mushrooms, and dried apricots in the slow cooker. Season with cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
- Serve the stew hot over couscous or rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
- For a **spicy version**, add **cayenne pepper** or **jalapeños**.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for **up to 3 days** and reheated easily on the stove or microwave.
- This dish can be frozen for **up to 3 months**. Just add the couscous or rice after reheating.
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