This Easy Moroccan Chicken pairs beautifully with couscous, quinoa, or flatbread. Warm, fragrant, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for comforting dinners or weekly meal prep.
Introduction
If you’re looking for a flavorful and wholesome dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Easy Moroccan Chicken in the Slow Cooker is just the dish.
With rich North African spices, tender chicken, hearty chickpeas, and simmered vegetables, it’s a satisfying and deeply aromatic meal that practically makes itself. Ideal for chilly evenings or batch cooking for the week, this recipe delivers warmth and nourishment in every bite.
Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold use of spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika—and this recipe brings all those flavors together in a comforting one-pot meal. By using your slow cooker, the ingredients have time to blend and deepen, resulting in juicy chicken and a sauce that’s rich without needing cream or butter. It’s healthy, deeply satisfying, and completely stress-free.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or planning meals for the week ahead, this Moroccan chicken adapts to your schedule.
The combination of slow-cooked protein, fiber-rich chickpeas, and antioxidant-packed vegetables makes it a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. And since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is easy too.
Plus, this dish is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for a dairy-free or paleo-friendly meal. Add your favorite grains or greens to personalize it even more. As the aroma fills your kitchen while it simmers, you’ll know something truly special is on the way.
Equipment You’ll Need For Easy Moroccan Chicken
- 4 to 6-quart slow cooker
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Forks for shredding
- Storage containers (for meal prep)
Prep & Cook Time For Easy Moroccan Chicken
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients For Easy Moroccan Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Recipe For Easy Moroccan Chicken
- Layer the vegetables: Add chopped onion, carrots, bell pepper, and chickpeas to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add chicken: Lay the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Season and mix: In a small bowl, combine cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, ginger, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over chicken. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Chicken should be tender and fully cooked.
- Shred and finish: Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker. Add olive oil and lemon juice, stirring everything together.
- Serve: Spoon over couscous, quinoa, or flatbread. Garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired.
Health Benefits
- Chicken Thighs: A flavorful cut rich in protein and B vitamins, especially B6 and niacin, which support energy production.
- Chickpeas: High in fiber and plant-based protein, they support digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and increase satiety.
- Turmeric & Ginger: Known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar and improve heart health.
- Bell Pepper & Carrots: Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, supporting immune and eye health.
- Tomatoes: A great source of lycopene and vitamin C for heart health and skin protection.
Nutrition Info (per serving):
- Calories: ~330 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbs: ~22g
- Fat: ~14g
- Fiber: ~6g
- Sodium: ~450mg
Storage & Meal Prep
Cool the Moroccan chicken before transferring it into individual airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for 2 to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Serve with pre-cooked grains like couscous or quinoa to make meals even faster.
Recipe Variations
- Add dried fruit: A handful of raisins or chopped apricots for sweet contrast.
- Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or chopped chili for heat.
- Vegetarian: Omit chicken and add extra chickpeas or lentils.
- Tagine-style: Add sliced olives or preserved lemons for a more traditional twist.
- One-bowl meal: Serve over wilted spinach or kale for added greens.
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, though thighs tend to stay more tender in the slow cooker.
- What’s the best grain to serve with this? Couscous, quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. It’s ideal for batch cooking or freezing.
- Can I skip chickpeas? You can, but they add great texture, fiber, and protein.
References:
- Cleveland Clinic: 6 Health Benefits of Turmeric
- WebMD: Health Benefits of Chickpeas
- Healthline: Cinnamon and Blood Sugar
- Harvard Health: Ginger and Inflammation
- USDA: Nutrition Data on Chicken Thighs
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