Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Carrots and Dates

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs cooked low and slow with warm Moroccan spices, sweet carrots, and dates for a comforting Whole30 slow cooker meal. This moroccan-inspired whole30 (whole30, paleo) ready in about 320 minutes pairs pitted, halved Medjool dates, minced garlic, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Place 4 large peeled and cut carrots, 1 large sliced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 12 halved pitted Medjool dates in the slow cooker. Pour in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and stir.
  4. Step 4: Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Just before serving, season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Carrots and Dates take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 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 Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Carrots and Dates?

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 pitted, halved medjool dates from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Carrots and Dates?

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 with Carrots and Dates 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 with Carrots and Dates whole30?

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

Related recipes