Slow Cooker Colombian-Style Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a vibrant and mildly spicy aji amarillo pepper sauce, capturing the essence of Colombian comfort food. This latin american ready in about 315 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, aji amarillo paste, yellow onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Transfer seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp aji amarillo paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the onion mixture. Cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp lime juice, stirring to combine. Pour this sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: Cook on low for 5 hours until chicken is tender and infused with the aji amarillo flavor.
  6. Step 6: Before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken for a fresh herbal note.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Colombian-Style Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Colombian-Style Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aji amarillo paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Colombian-Style Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Colombian-Style Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Colombian-Style Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce?

Latin American latin american like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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