Moroccan Chicken Stew

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My slow cooker Moroccan chicken stew is tasty and healthy! Shredded chicken, served on rice, pasta, quinoa, cous cous, or mashed potatoes! This is another recipe where you can add any vegetable you want or need to use. We love recipes like that. Who doesn't?

Plateful of mashed potatoes topped with Moroccan chicken stew

When I was much younger I always made recipes exactly the way they were written. Not anymore and I encourage you to do the same, if you don't already!

This stew is a perfect example of how venturing outside of the recipe can be such a winner. This used to be a classic chicken stew recipe, but I add the flavors of Moroccan cuisine to make it out of this world.

This was inspired by my other chicken stew recipe that I took some liberties with. Following that same idea, I decided to go Moroccan with my chicken stew this time around. It's perfect with these delicious mashed potatoes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Flavorful Spices: Infused with a blend of tantalizing Moroccan spices, this stew will take your taste buds on a delightful culinary adventure. From the warming notes of cinnamon and cumin to the aromatic richness of ginger and paprika, every bite is an explosion of flavor.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-dense veggies, this Moroccan stew makes a wholesome and satisfying meal. The addition of garbanzo beans offers fiber and healthy nutrients, while tomatoes provide a boost of antioxidants.
One-Pot Meal: Who doesn't love an easy-to-make meal with minimal cleanup? This Moroccan chicken stew can be prepared in a single pot, streamlining the cooking process and giving you more time to enjoy the flavors in your bowl.
Customizable Heat Levels: You can easily adjust the spiciness of the stew according to your preference. Simply add more or less of the chili powder or cayenne pepper to suit your taste buds.
Versatility: The Moroccan chicken stew is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side options, such as couscous, rice, or even crusty bread. This allows you to cater to different dietary preferences and requirements.
Quick Cooking Time: This Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners.
Freezer-Friendly: The flavors in this stew only improve with time, which means you can make it ahead of time and freeze it for a convenient heat-and-eat meal later.
Crowd Pleaser: With its bold and unique flavor profile, this Moroccan-inspired dish is sure to impress friends and family at dinner parties or potlucks. It stands out from the usual comfort food fare and brings a global twist to your dinner table.
Vibrant Colors and Aroma: The rich reds, oranges, and greens of the ingredients create a visually appealing meal, while the enticing aroma of the mixture of spices will fill your kitchen with an intoxicating scent.
New Culinary Experience: If you haven't had Moroccan cuisine before, this chicken stew is the perfect opportunity to broaden your palate and try something new. The delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the fragrant spices, is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew

This recipe may taste exotic, but the ingredients are very simple. You can find them all easily at your grocery store. Be sure to check the recipe card for the exact amounts.

Overhead shot of ingredients for Moroccan chicken stew in individual bowls

Chicken breasts or chicken thighs - or a rotisserie chicken will work great.
Carrots
Onion
Celery
Canned tomatoes
Cumin
Coriander
Cinnamon
Salt
Pepper
Black olives (optional)
Cooking spray

Substitutions and Variations

Popular variations of Moroccan chicken stew may include the addition of dried fruits, such as apricots or raisins, or nuts like almonds or pistachios. Some versions incorporate other proteins, like chickpeas or beans, and vary the vegetables used. You can also add harissa, a spicy chili paste, to intensify the heat for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
Onions, carrots, and bell peppers are commonly found in Moroccan Chicken Stew recipes. However, feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or even tomatoes to suit your taste.
Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, diced jalapeno pepper, homemade hot pepper sauce our jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the chicken mixture for a bit of heat.
often dried fruit like dates or apricots.

How to make Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew

Making this stew is just about as easy as it gets. It's a slow cooker meal, so there's not much to it. The highlights are here, but you'll find the complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

1: Coat the chicken in the spices.

Overhead shot of raw chicken in a slow cooker.

Overhead shot of raw chicken coated in spices in a slow coooker.

2: Add the chicken and the remaining ingredients to the crock pot and cook until the chicken is cooked through.

Overhead shot of uncooked Moroccan chicken stew in slow cooker

Overhead shot of Moroccan chicken stew in slow cooker

3: Remove the chicken and shred. Then return it to the slow cooker, stir, and enjoy!

Closeup shot of wooden spoon full of Moroccan chicken stew

Overhead shot of Moroccan chicken stew on plate

Overhead shot of shredded chicken on plate

Mashed potatoes topped with Moroccan chicken stew on plate.

Hint: Shred the chicken immediately after removing it from the slow cooker. Meat shreds most easily while it's hot.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this slow cooker Moroccan tomato soup or Pork Stew in the Slow Cooker.

Closeup shot of forkful of Moroccan chicken stew

Storage

Refrigerator: Leftover Moroccan Chicken Stew can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Cool the stew completely. Then freeze for up to 3 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave 1 inch of head space for expansion.

Make Ahead: You can make this stew up to 3 days ahead of time. It's even better after it sits!

Reheat: Add the stew to a saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until heated through. If frozen, thaw the stew before reheating it.

What to Serve with Moroccan Chicken Stew

Moroccan chicken stew is often served over a bed of couscous, which complements the flavors of the stew. However, you can also serve it with basmati rice or quinoa if you prefer those grains. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can also make a great side dish for Moroccan chicken stew.

Tips

Choose the right chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as they provide more flavor and tend to remain tender throughout the cooking process. You can also use drumsticks if you prefer (source: The Roasted Root).
Prepare your spices: Many Moroccan chicken stew recipes call for a special Moroccan spice blend called Ras el Hanout. You can find it in specialty stores or make your own blend by combining ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
Use aromatic herbs and veggies: To enhance the flavor of your stew, consider adding ingredients like bell peppers, onions, garlic, and fresh parsley, as suggested in this Tara Teaspoon recipe.
Don't forget the olives: Green olives are a key ingredient in Moroccan chicken stew, adding a tangy, salty twist to the dish.
Balance with dried fruits: It's common to add dried fruits like apricots or raisins to Moroccan chicken stew, providing a delicious contrast with the savory flavors (source: The Mediterranean Dish).
Cook it low and slow: To ensure tender chicken and well-developed flavors, simmer your stew over low heat for an extended period of time. Cook it covered for the first 15 minutes, then remove the lid and continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes (source: Ambitious Kitchen).
One-pot wonder: Save time and dishes by cooking the entire stew in one pot, as suggested by A Saucy Kitchen.
Try preserved lemons: If you have access to preserved lemons, they can add an authentic Moroccan flavor to your stew. Substitute them for fresh lemons if desired.
Serve it with couscous: To make your meal complete, serve your Moroccan chicken stew over a bed of fluffy couscous.
Get creative: Feel free to add or substitute any ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, you can use chickpeas for added protein, or experiment with different vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots. Enjoy the process of making your Moroccan chicken stew your own!

FAQ

What are the key spices in Moroccan dishes?

Moroccan dishes typically include spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, saffron, cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Chicken thighs are often recommended for Moroccan Chicken Stew due to their tenderness and flavor. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can add extra depth to the dish; however, skinless and boneless thighs or even chicken breasts can be used based on your preference.

Which traditional Moroccan cooking technique is used for making chicken stew?

Traditionally, Moroccan chicken stew is often cooked in a tagine, which is a cone-shaped clay pot with a lid. The unique shape of the tagine promotes slow, even cooking, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together. The lid traps steam and returns the moisture to the dish, keeping the chicken tender and moist throughout the cooking process.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or other legumes and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew Video

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Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew

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