Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Chickpeas

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant Moroccan spice blend with hearty chickpeas, perfect for effortless slow cooker comfort. This moroccan-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, chickpeas, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Moroccan cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed) and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer chicken to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour mixture over chicken in the slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas to the slow cooker. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Chickpeas 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 with Chickpeas?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Chickpeas?

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 Chickpeas 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 Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Chickpeas?

Moroccan 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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