Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken & Chickpeas

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as delightful as it is effortless, then Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken & Chickpeas is the recipe for you. This aromatic dish combines tender chicken breasts with hearty chickpeas, fragrant spices, and sweet dried fruits, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Imagine coming home to the tantalizing scents of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon wafting through your home a true culinary embrace that promises to uplift your dinner experience. Perfect for busy weekdays or cozy gatherings, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your home with warmth and comfort.

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and enticing aromas, and this recipe encapsulates that beautifully. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time. Just set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld and develop throughout the day. The result is a wholesome, nourishing meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for families or meal prep enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken & Chickpeas. First and foremost, the convenience of a slow cooker means you can prepare everything in the morning and let it cook throughout the day. No need to fuss over dinner when you come home from a long day; simply serve and enjoy!

• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Each bite is an explosion of taste that transports you straight to Morocco.
• Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: With lean chicken, protein-packed chickpeas, and heaps of vegetables, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great way to incorporate more legumes into your diet.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over fluffy couscous or rice, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb meal. This recipe fits into various dietary preferences, making it perfect for everyone at the table.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge and the flavors get even better the next day. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite vegetables. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to cater to your family’s tastes.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken & Chickpeas is the perfect example of a simple yet impressive dish. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, you’ll appreciate the straightforward nature of this recipe. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy the process of cooking without the stress.

Moreover, Moroccan cuisine is a wonderful way to explore new flavors and ingredients. If you’ve never tried cooking with spices like turmeric and paprika, this dish is an excellent introduction. Each spice adds its unique character to the dish, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exotic.

Additionally, this recipe is an excellent way to gather loved ones around the dinner table. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it a feast for the senses, and it’s sure to spark conversation. Plus, with the nutritious ingredients, you can feel good about serving it to your family.

Finally, if you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe serves as a great base. You can add additional vegetables, substitute different proteins, or even adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or dried fruits. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked couscous or rice, for serving

In addition to these ingredients, make sure you have the following utensils on hand:

• Slow Cooker: The star of the show that allows for hands-off cooking.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the vegetables and chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and spices.
• Forks: For shredding the cooked chicken.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken & Chickpeas.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the Vegetables: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and chicken broth. This mixture forms the base of your dish. Pour it evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric. This blend of spices is what gives the dish its Moroccan flair. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetable combination in the slow cooker.
4. Add Dried Fruits: Sprinkle the chopped dried apricots and raisins on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. These fruits add a delightful sweetness that complements the savory spices.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender, making it easy to shred.
6. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together to combine the flavors.
7. Serve: Serve the Moroccan chicken and chickpeas over a bed of cooked couscous or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this warm, comforting meal with your family or guests!

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken & Chickpeas is a culinary delight that brings together the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine with the convenience of slow cooking. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a comforting meal with family, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with friends and family who might love this dish as much as you will!

For more delicious recipes, check out our collections on Ovia Recipes or try your hand at Slow Cooker Tex Mex Beef and Potato Bake or Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole.

For inspiration, visit our Pinterest page!

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken & Chickpeas

A flavorful and hearty slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken, chickpeas, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Moroccan

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) Chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 Large onion diced
• 3 Garlic cloves minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes undrained
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon Ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1/4 cup Dried apricots chopped
• 1/4 cup Raisins
• for garnish Fresh cilantro
• for serving Cooked couscous or rice

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• In a bowl, mix together the diced onion, minced garlic, drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric. Pour this spice mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
• Sprinkle the chopped dried apricots and raisins on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
• Serve the Moroccan chicken and chickpeas over cooked couscous or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste. This dish pairs well with a side of yogurt.

Keyword chicken, chickpeas, healthy, slow cooker