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Slow Cooker Chicken Tagine plated in low white bowls.
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4.52 from 25 votes

Slow Cooker Tagine-Inspired Chicken

Dietary: Whole30, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo
Instant Pot Time: 40 Minutes
Total Time6 hours
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 large yellow onion halved and thinly sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 lb. chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro plus more for serving
  • ½ cup drained and roughly torn pitted green olives

For Serving:

  • ¼ cup chopped shelled pistachios
  • Cooked cauliflower rice or jasmine rice

Instructions

SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS:

  • In the bottom of a slow cooker, add the sliced onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, paprika, cumin, coriander, chicken broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine. Nestle in the chicken breasts, cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
  • Once the cook time is complete, transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board, allow to cool slightly, and shred with two forks. Return the chicken back to the cooking liquid and toss to combine. Add in the lemon and orange zest and juice, cilantro, and olives. Stir to combine.
  • To serve, scoop cooked cauliflower rice or jasmine rice into bowls and ladle the chicken tagine mixture over top. Garnish with chopped pistachios and extra cilantro if desired.

INSTANT POT INSTRUCTIONS:

  • In the Instant Pot, add the sliced onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, paprika, cumin, coriander, chicken broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine. Nestle in the chicken breasts, place the lid back on the top, lock, and turn the vent to “sealed.” Using the manual setting, set the cook time to 20 minutes.
  • Once the cook time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes. Turn the vent to “venting” to release the rest of the steam, and open the lid. Transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board, allow to cool slightly, and shred with two forks. Return the chicken back to the cooking liquid and toss to combine. Add in the lemon and orange zest and juice, cilantro, and olives. Stir to combine.
  • To serve, scoop cooked cauliflower rice or jasmine rice into bowls and ladle the chicken tagine mixture over top. Garnish with chopped pistachios and extra cilantro if desired.

Notes

Freezer Tips:
  • The shredded meat in this recipe freezes well. To freeze, let the meat cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label and date the containers before placing them in the freezer. 
  • To thaw, transfer the meat to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. 
  • For reheating, warm the meat in a skillet over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. 
  • Alternatively, you can reheat this in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.