Soft Spice Chicken Tagine

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This slow-cooked dish combines tender chicken thighs and sweet potatoes infused with a gentle blend of cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and other warm spices. Cooked low and slow, the flavors meld beautifully, enhanced by garlic, apricots, and fresh herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it offers a rich Moroccan-inspired taste with minimal prep and maximum comfort.

The addition of honey and lemon juice provides subtle sweetness and brightness, while toasted almonds and fresh cilantro add texture and freshness at serving. Versatile and gluten-free, it pairs well with couscous, rice, or quinoa for a wholesome main course.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:39:00 GMT
Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine with tender chicken and bright, orange sweet potatoes. Save
Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine with tender chicken and bright, orange sweet potatoes. | cocoabluff.com

A comforting, aromatic tagine featuring tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and a gentle blend of warm spices, all simmered together in a slow cooker for an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.

This dish has become a family favorite for busy weeknights when I want something hearty and flavorful without hours of active cooking.

Ingredients

  • Meats: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
  • Vegetables: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, 1 large onion, finely chopped, 2 carrots, peeled and sliced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes, drained, 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
  • Spices & Aromatics: 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp sweet paprika, 1/4 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste), Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
  • Liquids: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Finishing Touches: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, Toasted slivered almonds (optional, for serving)

Instructions

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Sear Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. (Optional, for deeper flavor.)
Add to Slow Cooker:
Add the chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, and apricots to the slow cooker.
Mix Spices:
In a small bowl, combine cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, allspice, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Sprinkle the spice mix over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Add Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth, then drizzle the honey and lemon juice over the top.
Cook:
Gently stir to combine, cover, and cook on LOW for 5 hours or until the chicken is very tender and sweet potatoes are cooked through.
Adjust Seasonings:
Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted almonds, if desired. Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa.
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Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
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Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
Check price on Amazon
Fragrant Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, slow-cooked to a soft, delicious texture. Save
Fragrant Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, slow-cooked to a soft, delicious texture. | cocoabluff.com

Our family loves gathering around this dish, especially in colder months when the warm spices feel extra comforting.

Variation Ideas

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with canned chickpeas or cubed firm tofu. You can also add pitted green olives or preserved lemons for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa. Pair well with Moroccan mint tea or a chilled glass of rosé.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Enjoy the comforting aroma of this hearty Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine for dinner tonight. Save
Enjoy the comforting aroma of this hearty Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine for dinner tonight. | cocoabluff.com
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Enjoy the rich aromas and vibrant flavors of this easy slow-cooker tagine any night of the week.

Soft Spice Chicken Tagine

Tender chicken with sweet potatoes and warm spices slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting dish.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
300 minutes
Time Required
320 minutes
Recipe by Aubrey Gray


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Moroccan-Inspired

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Dairy, Free from Gluten

What You’ll Need

Meats

01 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks

Vegetables

01 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
06 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved

Spices & Aromatics

01 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon ground coriander
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
05 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
06 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
07 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
08 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
10 Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Liquids

01 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1 tablespoon honey
03 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Finishing Touches

01 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
02 Toasted slivered almonds (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Optional Sear Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear chicken pieces 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned for enhanced flavor.

Step 02

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer chicken, sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, and apricots into the slow cooker insert.

Step 03

Add Spice Mix: In a small bowl, mix ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, allspice, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper; sprinkle evenly over ingredients in slow cooker.

Step 04

Incorporate Liquids: Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, then drizzle honey and lemon juice over the mixture.

Step 05

Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW setting for 5 hours until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are fully cooked.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and modify salt or spice levels as preferred before serving.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted almonds if desired; serve hot over couscous, rice, or quinoa.

What You Need

  • Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet (optional for searing)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Info

Review every item to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains tree nuts if almonds are included.
  • Verify broth and spices for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

This nutrition data is here for reference and shouldn’t substitute for your medical professional’s advice.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Fat content: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 51 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams