Imagine being transported to the vibrant streets of Marrakech with just one bite of the most tender, flavor-packed chicken you've ever tasted. This Slow Cooked Moroccan Chicken is not just a meal – it's a sensory experience that will revolutionize your dinner routine. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to unlock the secret to authentic Moroccan cuisine right in your own slow cooker!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander.
- Lightly brown chicken thighs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side to develop a rich golden color and seal in flavors. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced taste.
- Place chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a aromatic base for the chicken.
- Arrange browned chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Pour diced tomatoes over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. The tomatoes will help create a rich, moist cooking environment.
- Sprinkle remaining spices over the chicken and add olives for additional Mediterranean flavor.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb all the spices and aromatics.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir and check that chicken is falling-apart tender.
- Once cooking is complete, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Browning the chicken before slow cooking is optional but highly recommended. This extra step adds depth of flavor and creates a beautiful golden exterior that seals in moisture.
- Use fresh spices if possible. Cumin and coriander lose their potency over time, so check your spice cabinet and replace if needed for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Don't skip the olive step! The olives add a traditional Mediterranean touch and bring a subtle briny complexity to the dish.
- For the most tender results, resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid during cooking. Each time you remove the lid, you'll lose heat and extend the cooking time.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- This dish is incredibly versatile – try serving it over different bases like quinoa, cauliflower rice, or traditional couscous for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
