Soft Spice Chicken Tagine

Featured in: Fresh & Cozy Thyme Dinners

This comforting Moroccan-inspired tagine combines tender chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and a blend of warm, earthy spices. Slowly cooked in a slow cooker, the ingredients meld together into a rich, flavorful dish accented by honey, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Optional toasted almonds add a pleasing crunch while flavors deepen during the gentle simmer, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. The dish pairs well with couscous, rice, or quinoa for a satisfying meal.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:36:00 GMT
Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine with tender chicken, sweet potato chunks and warming spices. Save Pin
Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine with tender chicken, sweet potato chunks and warming spices. | frostedthyme.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.

I first served this dish to my family on a chilly evening and it immediately became a favorite thanks to its comforting spices and tender chicken.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs (700 g), cut into large chunks
  • Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Large onion: 1, finely chopped
  • Carrots: 2, peeled and sliced
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • Can diced tomatoes: 1 (14 oz / 400 g), drained
  • Dried apricots: 1/2 cup, halved
  • Ground cumin: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Ground coriander: 1 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground turmeric: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
  • Sweet paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground allspice: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp, adjust to taste
  • Cayenne pepper: Pinch, optional for mild heat
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
  • Honey: 1 tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley: 1/4 cup
  • Toasted slivered almonds: Optional, for serving

Instructions

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.
Combine Ingredients:
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 Seasoning:
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.
A steaming bowl of comforting Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, ready to be enjoyed. Save Pin
A steaming bowl of comforting Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine, ready to be enjoyed. | frostedthyme.com

This recipe brings my family together every time we need a warm comforting meal that is both easy and full of flavor.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (4-6 quart) chefs knife cutting board skillet (optional for searing) measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts if using almonds Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free Double-check chicken broth and spice blends for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 410 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 51 g Protein 32 g per serving

Imagine the rich aromas of a delicious Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine dish for dinner tonight! Save Pin
Imagine the rich aromas of a delicious Soft Spice Slow-Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Tagine dish for dinner tonight! | frostedthyme.com

This tagine is perfect for meal prepping and will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Questions & Answers

What spices are used in this tagine?

The dish features ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, allspice, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for mild heat.

Can the chicken be seared before slow cooking?

Yes, searing the chicken briefly enhances flavor and adds depth, but this step is optional.

What can be used as a vegetarian substitute?

Canned chickpeas or cubed firm tofu work well as plant-based alternatives.

How long does the slow cooking take?

Cooking on low heat takes about 5 hours to ensure tenderness and flavor development.

What garnishes complement this dish?

Fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted slivered almonds provide fresh and crunchy finishing touches.

Soft Spice Chicken Tagine

Aromatic chicken and sweet potato dish infused with warm spices and slow-cooked to tenderness.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
300 minutes
All-In Time
320 minutes
By Frosted Thyme Madison Kelly


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Moroccan-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy, Gluten-Free

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 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, drained
06 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved

Spices & Aromatics

01 1.5 tsp ground cumin
02 1 tsp ground coriander
03 1 tsp ground cinnamon
04 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
05 1/2 tsp ground ginger
06 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
07 1/4 tsp ground allspice
08 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
09 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste
10 Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

Liquids

01 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1 tbsp honey
03 1 tbsp lemon juice

Finishing Touches

01 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
02 Toasted slivered almonds, optional for serving

Directions

Step 01

Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken pieces for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned, optional step 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.

Step 03

Add spices: Mix cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, paprika, allspice, black pepper, salt, and cayenne in a bowl and sprinkle evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Step 04

Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth, then drizzle honey and lemon juice over the mixture.

Step 05

Cook slowly: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours until chicken is very tender and sweet potatoes are fully cooked.

Step 06

Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or spices if necessary before serving.

Step 07

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Always check each item for allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts if almonds are used
  • Ensure chicken broth and spice blends are free from hidden allergens

Nutrition Info (per portion)

For reference only—please ask a healthcare professional if you need tailored advice.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Fat content: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 51 g
  • Proteins: 32 g