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 dish was an instant family favorite after I first tried it, filling the house with comforting aromas all evening.
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
- Sear the 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.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add the chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, and apricots to the slow cooker.
- Prepare spice mix:
- 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 This meal always brings my family together, sharing stories and laughter around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (4 6 quart) chef’s 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
Per serving calories 410 total fat 8 g carbohydrates 51 g protein 32 g
Pin It This tagine is a perfect blend of spices and simplicity making weeknight dinners something to look forward to.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, simmering gently on low heat until the chicken and sweet potatoes are tender, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- → What can I substitute for dried apricots?
Feel free to use dried raisins, dates, or figs for a similar sweetness and texture that complements the spices well.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of chili flakes when seasoning for a warmer heat level, balancing with the sweetness of honey.
- → Is it possible to adapt this for vegetarian diets?
Yes, replace chicken with canned chickpeas or firm tofu, adjusting the cooking time so that tofu is added later to maintain its texture.
- → What side dishes pair best with this tagine?
Couscous, rice, or quinoa work beautifully by soaking up the rich, spiced sauce and complementing the tender ingredients.