Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a fragrant, flavorful, and comforting dish inspired by traditional Moroccan cuisine. Combining tender chicken with a mix of warm spices, sweet dried fruits, and savory vegetables, this dish is cooked low and slow to develop deep, rich flavors.

Using a slow cooker makes preparation simple, allowing the spices to meld and the chicken to become perfectly tender. This recipe captures the essence of Moroccan tagine without the need for a traditional clay pot, making it accessible for home cooks. Served over couscous, rice, or quinoa, it’s an exotic yet approachable meal that impresses with every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic, and colorful dish with minimal effort. The blend of spices like cinnamon, cumin, and paprika combined with sweet apricots and savory olives creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Cooking the dish in a slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and infused with every spice and ingredient in the tagine. It’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or hosting guests, delivering restaurant-quality taste from the comfort of home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a single meal. It introduces exotic Moroccan flavors in a simple, accessible way while offering the convenience of slow-cooker cooking.

The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and complementary vegetables ensures a satisfying and wholesome meal. It’s versatile, nutrient-rich, and perfect for pairing with grains or bread. Whether you’re new to Moroccan cuisine or a seasoned foodie, this tagine is a flavor-packed, hearty dish that deserves a place in your recipe collection.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6–7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan / North African

Ingredients

For the Tagine

• 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
• ¼ cup green olives, pitted
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Juice of ½ lemon

Optional Accompaniments

• Couscous, rice, or quinoa for serving
• Toasted slivered almonds for garnish

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and half of the spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne if using.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and lightly sear chicken on both sides until golden, about 2–3 minutes per side (optional, for extra flavor).

Assemble in Slow Cooker

1. Place sliced onions, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add diced tomatoes, dried apricots, and green olives.
3. Place seared (or raw) chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour chicken broth over the mixture and sprinkle the remaining spices on top.

Cook the Tagine

1. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).

Finish the Dish

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tagine and stir gently.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, parsley, and toasted almonds if desired.

Serve

Serve the Moroccan chicken tagine over couscous, rice, or quinoa for a complete, flavorful meal. Spoon extra sauce over the grains for added flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Season Chicken
Rub chicken thighs with spices, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear Chicken (Optional)
Sear in olive oil for extra flavor and color.

Step 3: Layer Vegetables and Fruits
Place onions, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, tomatoes, apricots, and olives in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Broth
Place chicken on top and pour in chicken broth. Sprinkle remaining spices.

Step 5: Slow Cook
Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add lemon juice, garnish with cilantro, parsley, and almonds. Serve over grains.

How to Serve

Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. The sauce is flavorful enough to spoon generously over the grains.

Recipe Tips

• Searing the chicken is optional but adds depth of flavor.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or fewer dried apricots.
• Add more broth for a soupier consistency.
• Use bone-in chicken for juicier meat.
• Stir gently before serving to combine flavors without breaking the chicken.

Variations

• Vegetable Tagine: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Version: Add harissa or extra cayenne for more heat.
• Fruit Variations: Substitute apricots with dried figs, raisins, or prunes.
• Nuts: Add almonds or pistachios for a crunchy texture.
• Tomato-Free: Use roasted red peppers and a touch of lemon juice instead of tomatoes for a different flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• Skillet for searing (optional)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spoon for stirring

FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking.

Q2: Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, bake covered at 325°F for 1.5–2 hours until chicken is cooked through.

Q3: Can I add potatoes or sweet potatoes?
Yes, add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes with the vegetables.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free if served with gluten-free grains.

Q5: Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, add more or fewer dried fruits according to taste.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Tagine is an aromatic, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings the tastes of Morocco to your home with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, warm spices, sweet dried fruits, and savory olives creates a complex and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this tagine is a must-try for anyone seeking a nutritious, exotic, and delicious dish. Serve it over couscous or rice for a complete, wholesome meal.