Description
The humble dried apricot is the secret star of this recipe, providing little bursts of sweet tanginess. They plump up beautifully during the long, slow cook, perfectly complementing the savory spices and tender chicken. This diabetic-friendly meal is packed with flavor and requires minimal active cooking time.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the chicken and vegetables:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted
- For the spice blend and sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), black pepper, and salt.
- Layer the Vegetables: Place the sliced onion, carrot chunks, and bell pepper in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add Chicken and Spices: Arrange the chicken thighs over the vegetables in a single layer. Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the chicken.
- Create the Sauce: In the same bowl you used for spices, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lemon juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Add Final Ingredients: Scatter the dried apricots and green olives over everything. Do not stir at this point.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and easily shred with a fork.
Notes
Smart substitutions: If following a cardiac diabetic diet, reduce salt further or use salt-free chicken broth. For lower carb, omit carrots and use only 1/4 cup apricots. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg