Slow Cooker Cumin-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

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

Tender chicken thighs and sweet potatoes slow-cooked with warm cumin and garlic for a comforting, one-pot dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs large, cut into wedges onion, minced garlic, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, and 1 large onion, cut into wedges, in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1.5 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then rub this mixture over 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs) and coat with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and pour 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth over the top.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and vegetables are fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Carefully remove chicken and vegetables to a platter, skim excess fat from cooking liquid, and serve with sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Cumin-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Cumin-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

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 large, cut into wedges onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Cumin-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Cumin-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Cumin-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

American slow cooker 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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