Slow Cooked Chicken Chorizo-Free (Print View)

Tender chicken slow cooked with smoky spices, vegetables, and chickpeas for a flavorful, comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 1.75 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
05 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
06 - 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes
07 - 14 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
08 - 5 oz baby potatoes, quartered

→ Seasonings & Spices

09 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1 tsp sweet paprika
12 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - 1 tsp dried oregano
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

16 - 2 cups chicken stock (gluten-free if needed)
17 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Garnish

18 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes, then transfer them to the slow cooker or a large casserole pot if using stovetop.
02 - Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped red bell peppers, and sliced carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in smoked paprika, sweet paprika, ground cumin, optional cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Transfer the sautéed vegetables and spices to the slow cooker or casserole pot. Add quartered baby potatoes, canned chopped tomatoes, drained chickpeas, bay leaf, and chicken stock. Season with salt and black pepper.
05 - Stir everything to combine. For slow cooker: cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For stovetop: bring to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
07 - Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It fills your home with deep, smoky aromas without relying on cured meats or complicated techniques.
  • The slow cooker does the work while you go about your day, and the chicken stays impossibly tender.
  • You can adjust the heat and spices to match your mood without worrying about overpowering sausage flavors.
02 -
  • Browning the chicken first is not optional, those caramelized bits add a depth you cannot fake later.
  • If you skip blooming the spices in the pan, they taste raw and chalky instead of warm and integrated.
  • Resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid early, every peek adds 15 minutes to your cook time.
03 -
  • Always taste the stew before serving and adjust the salt, it makes or breaks the final dish.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, they stay tender and never dry out even after hours of cooking.
  • Let the stew rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving, the flavors settle and deepen beautifully.

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