Slow Cooker Cumin-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered with cumin and sweet potatoes until fall-off-the-bone tender, served with a side of roasted root vegetables. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, medium, peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, medium, chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear 3 minutes more.
  3. Step 3: Transfer seared chicken to slow cooker. Add 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, 1 chopped yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 cup chicken broth. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes pierce easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Cumin-Spiced Chicken Thighs 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-Spiced Chicken Thighs 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 medium, chopped yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Cumin-Spiced Chicken Thighs 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-Spiced Chicken Thighs 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-Spiced Chicken Thighs 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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