Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A warming slow-cooked chicken stew infused with Moroccan spices and hearty root vegetables, perfect for Whole30 and cozy nights. This moroccan-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 375 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, carrots, parsnips 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and brown them for 3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the onions and garlic to a slow cooker. Add 3 peeled and chunked carrots, 2 peeled parsnips cut into chunks, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups unsalted chicken broth, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the slow cooker mixture. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the stew for a fresh finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables 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.

Is Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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