Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken a Slowcooked Tagine Sensation
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a trip to Morocco without leaving your kitchen? Me too! This Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken is your one-way ticket.
Honestly, it's so easy, it's almost cheating. Plus, it's bursting with warm, fragrant spices and sweet savoury deliciousness.
A Taste of Morocco, Made Easy
Ever wondered about the origins of Moroccan Tagines? They are traditionally cooked in a conical earthenware pot, this Moroccan Chicken Recipe uses modern Slow Cooker convenience for a similar depth of flavour.
This recipe is super easy and takes about 6- 8 hours on low, or 3- 4 hours on high. This Easy Moroccan Chicken yields about 6 servings.
Perfect for a family dinner, or even a small gathering!
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken
Let's talk benefits. This Moroccan Chicken is packed with protein, and the spices offer anti inflammatory properties. It’s a healthy, flavourful meal.
It's perfect for a cosy night in. It's also fantastic for impressing your mates without the usual kitchen stress. I find that this Moroccan Spiced Chicken recipe is special because it makes you feel like a professional chef without all the hassle.
It's all about big flavours with minimal effort, what's not to love?
Getting Started
Ready to dive in? First, you'll need some chicken. I prefer chicken thighs, they stay super juicy in the Slow Cooker .
We will use chicken thighs to cook Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Moroccan . You'll also need onions, garlic, ginger, and a colourful spice rack.
Oh my gosh, all those smells, so good!
The Heart of the Recipe: Ingredients
Right, let's get into the nitty gritty. You'll need around 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Don't forget your tablespoon of olive oil for browning.
One chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves and about an inch of grated ginger. For spices, you'll want turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and maybe a pinch of cayenne.
To create the sauce, a can of diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup of chicken broth is needed. Some dried apricots and green olives will add more traditional flavour.
Also, some cilantro will add a touch of freshness.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations
If you are looking for a touch of sweetness in your Slow Cooker Dinner , add some honey or maple syrup.
Like it spicier? Add red pepper flakes! For a veggie version, use chickpeas or butternut squash instead of chicken. For a Apricot Chicken Slow Cooker , you could try using Dates instead of Apricots.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken . Trust me, this Moroccan Chicken Recipe is easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!
So, here's the lowdown on what you'll be chucking into your Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken . I've tried to keep it dead simple, and trust me, it's a doddle.
Main Ingredients for Your Moroccan Chicken
- Chicken: Get 2 lbs (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into about 1 inch pieces. I reckon thighs are best, super juicy.
- Olive Oil: You'll need 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Extra virgin, if you're feeling fancy.
- Onion: One large onion, chopped. Don't worry about being too precise.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced. Fresh is always better, innit?
- Ginger: About a 1 inch (2.5 cm) piece. Peeled and grated.
- Turmeric: 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric. Good for colour and flavour.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. A must for that Moroccan Spiced Chicken vibe.
- Cinnamon: Half a teaspoon (½ tsp) ground cinnamon. Adds a bit of warmth.
- Cayenne Pepper: Quarter of a teaspoon (¼ tsp). This is optional, for a kick.
- Diced Tomatoes: One can ( 14.5 oz/411g ), undrained.
- Chicken Broth: Half a cup ( ½ cup/120 ml ).
- Dried Apricots: Half a cup ( ½ cup/75g ), halved. This adds that lovely sweetness.
- Green Olives: Quarter of a cup ( ¼ cup/35g ), pitted and halved.
- Cilantro: Two tablespoons (2 tbsp), chopped. More for garnish, if you like!
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
Honestly, the spices are what make this Easy Moroccan Chicken sing! Turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon are your base. The cayenne is there if you fancy a bit of a thrill.
If you are looking for Chicken Tagine Slow Cooker taste, those are key. If you haven't got all the spices, don't panic.
A good quality Moroccan spice mix from the supermarket will do the trick. And remember, you can use some dried herbs as substitution if you lack any fresh one.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal.
- Skillet: For browning the chicken (optional, but recommended).
- Basic Kitchen Tools: Cutting board, knife, measuring spoons.
There you have it!. Not too crazy eh?! So simple, even your nan could whip this Slow Cooker Dinner up! Now, are you ready to get started on the Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Moroccan style magic?
Unlock Moroccan Magic: Slow Cooking Your Way to Flavor Town
Fancy a trip to Morocco without the jet lag? This Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken recipe is your express ticket! Honestly, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up.
And believe me, I've had my fair share of kitchen mishaps. I remember once trying to make a fancy French sauce and ended up setting off the smoke alarm.
Classic! But this? This is foolproof. We're talking tender Moroccan Chicken bathed in fragrant spices, sweet apricots, and tangy olives.
Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds sing! The best part is using your Slow Cooker and letting it do all the work!
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential Mise en Place : Chop your onion and measure out your spices. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Halve the apricots and olives.
- Time Saving Tips: Buy pre-minced garlic and ginger. I do. No shame. Using pre-cut apricots is also time saving!
- Safety First: Remember, wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken. This is a given!
Your step-by-step Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken Adventure
- (Optional) Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml) in a skillet. Brown the 2 lbs (900g) chicken in batches. Season with salt and pepper. I usually skip this.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook the chopped 1 large onion until soft. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 inch (2.5 cm) grated ginger . Cook until fragrant.
- Spice It Up: Stir in 1 teaspoon turmeric , 1 teaspoon cumin , 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon , and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) . Cook for 30 seconds , until fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Transfer the chicken (if browned) to your 6-quart slow cooker . Add 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth , 1/2 cup (75g) dried apricots , and 1/4 cup (35g) olives .
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or on high for 3- 4 hours . Chicken should be tender.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro . Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa.
Pro Tips for Moroccan Masterpieces
- Spice is Nice: Don't be shy with the spices! They're what make this dish sing. It helps highlight the Moroccan Spiced Chicken .
- Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on the chicken. Overcooked Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Moroccan can be dry.
- make-ahead Magic: This Easy Moroccan Chicken is even better the next day! Make it the night before for a super easy weeknight dinner. I actually made it a full 2 days before once. And everyone loved it even more.
So there you have it! Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken with Olives that's easy, delicious, and sure to impress. Trust me, give this a whirl.
You won't regret it! And you'll have a great Slow Cooker Dinner that is so easy to make.
Recipe Notes for Seriously Delicious Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken
Right then, before you dive headfirst into making this Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken , let’s have a quick natter about some important bits.
This isn't just chuck-it-in-the-pot cooking, though it is pretty easy. You know? A little heads-up can make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions: Getting it on the plate
Presentation, innit? You want this to look as good as it tastes. Honestly, I like to pile it high on a bed of fluffy couscous.
And yes, fluffy couscous is a must. A sprinkle of extra cilantro always looks smashing.
Thinking of sides? Roasted veg are your mate. Carrots or courgettes work a treat. If you're feeling fancy, a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a nice cool tang.
Also, a glass of chilled rose is always a good shout.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it fresh
Leftovers? If there any… you're lucky.
Pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bang it in the freezer for longer storage (up to 2 months).
To reheat, microwave it. Stirring occasionally. Alternatively, gently heat it in a pan on the hob. When reheating from frozen, defrost it thoroughly first. I wouldn't recommend refreezing. Just saying.
Variations: Making it your Moroccan Chicken Recipe
Fancy a change? Course you do.
For a veggie version, swap the chicken for chickpeas. Butternut squash is lush, too. If you’re avoiding gluten, serve it with quinoa instead of couscous. Easy peasy.
Seasonal swaps are awesome. In the autumn, add some diced apples or pears. In the summer, a handful of chopped tomatoes adds a lovely freshness.
Nutrition Basics: Food facts, mate
Okay, so let's keep this simple, yeah? This Moroccan Chicken is packed with protein from the chicken. It has vitamins from the tomatoes and spices.
The apricots add a bit of sweetness and fibre. It's a healthy and balanced dinner. This Easy Moroccan Chicken is both delicious and nutritious.
You can't say fairer than that, right?
So, there you have it. All the extra bits and bobs to make your Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken a total triumph.
Now go forth and get cooking!. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Dinner , and let me know how it turns out! And don't forget to look for Moroccan Spiced Chicken recipe variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You certainly can, but keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker. If using chicken breasts, I recommend reducing the cooking time slightly check for doneness after 3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.
You might also add a splash of extra chicken broth to keep things nice and moist, like a proper Sunday roast!
Is there a vegetarian version of this Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken recipe?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken for an equal amount of chickpeas, cubed butternut squash, or a mix of your favorite hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The cooking time will remain largely the same, though you may want to add the vegetables closer to the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
It's all about creating that comforting, aromatic vibe, veggie style.
Can I freeze leftover Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
It's like having a ready-made takeaway but way better!
What if I don't have all the spices listed for this Moroccan Chicken in a slow cooker?
While the combination of spices is what gives this dish its authentic Moroccan flavor, don't fret if you're missing one or two. Cumin and turmeric are the most essential. If you’re missing cinnamon, a pinch of allspice can be a decent substitute.
Consider using a pre-mixed Moroccan spice blend if you have one handy, just adjust the amount to taste, you cheeky thing!
How can I add more heat to this Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken?
If you like a bit of a kick, there are a few ways to turn up the heat! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices. You could also add a finely chopped chili pepper (like a jalapeño or Serrano) along with the onion and garlic.
For a more subtle heat, try using a spicy harissa paste, stirring it in just before serving. Remember, a little goes a long way, so start small and taste as you go!
What's the best way to serve this Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken?
Traditionally, Moroccan chicken is served over couscous or rice, which is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it over quinoa or with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh mint adds a lovely finishing touch.
Don't forget some crusty bread for mopping up every last bit it's practically the law!
Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken A Slowcooked Tagine S
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |