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Easy Chicken Tagine — Moroccan Slow Cooked with chickpeas and apricots in a crock pot.

Easy Chicken Tagine

A cozy and flavorful Moroccan-inspired chicken stew that cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 to 2.5 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone in or boneless Thighs stay juicy and forgiving in the slow cooker.
  • 1 onion thinly sliced Flavor base for the dish.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots sliced (optional but I like the sweetness)
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken broth Use less if your tomatoes are very juicy.
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, or 2 grated fresh tomatoes
  • 1 quarter preserved lemon, chopped (or zest of 1 lemon plus a squeeze of juice) Adds brightness to the dish.
  • 1 cup dried apricots or dates (optional but so good) Balances the spices.
  • 1 handful green olives (optional for that salty pop)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 to 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • to taste pepper black pepper
Garnish
  • to taste fresh cilantro or parsley To finish the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add the sliced onion to the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix spices with olive oil and garlic. Rub it on the chicken.
  3. Layer chicken on top of the onions. Add carrots, chickpeas, tomatoes, broth, and your dried fruit if using. Tuck in preserved lemon and olives.
  4. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
Finishing Touch
  1. When done, taste the sauce and adjust with lemon juice, salt, or cinnamon as desired.
  2. Finish with chopped herbs.

Notes

Try to avoid skipping the acid at the end, as it brightens the dish. Serve with couscous, rice, quinoa, or warm bread to soak up the sauce. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen.