Name: Slow Cooker Chicken, Chorizo and Sweet Potato Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 4-6
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 ounces chorizo, sliced or crumbled; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); Lime wedges (optional)

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of stew to bring comfort and joy. This Slow Cooker Chicken, Chorizo and Sweet Potato Stew is a delightful dish that perfectly marries the flavors of tender chicken, spicy chorizo, and sweet potatoes. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that not only warms the body but also warms the heart, making it the perfect comfort food for autumn. With its roots in Mexican cuisine, this stew offers a rich, savory experience that will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with aromatic spices and laughter. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes warmth and togetherness, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones on chilly evenings. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a meal prep recipe for the week, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious and fulfilling stew: You can learn more about this topic. It’s essential to use high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of your stew.

Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Using thighs ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy during the slow cooking process.
- 4 ounces chorizo, sliced or crumbled. Choose a spicy or mild version based on your preference for heat.
Vegetables:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Sweet potatoes add sweetness and a creamy texture once cooked.
- 1 large onion, chopped. Onions provide a foundational flavor that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aromatic quality that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped. Bell peppers contribute a slight sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained. The tomatoes add acidity and moisture, balancing the richness of the stew.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned). Corn introduces a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- 1 cup chicken broth. Homemade broth will yield the best flavor, but store-bought works well too.
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin. This spice adds an earthy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Smoked paprika brings a depth of flavor and a hint of smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste). This can be increased for more heat if desired.
- Salt and pepper to taste. These are essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
Garnishes (optional):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Lime wedges. A squeeze of lime just before serving enhances the flavors beautifully.

Note: You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, or use vegetarian chorizo to create a meat-free version of this dish. Additionally, feel free to experiment with adding other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, for added nutrition and flavor. Check out our related guide for more tips on ingredient substitutions and enhancements.

Steps / Instructions

Prepare your slow cooker: Plug in your slow cooker and set it to low heat, allowing it to warm up while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures that the cooking process begins promptly once all ingredients are added.
Cook the chorizo: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chorizo until it starts to brown and releases its oil, about 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavors in your stew and infuse the oil with spices.
Add chicken: Transfer the cooked chorizo to the slow cooker and add the chicken thighs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the pieces are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Incorporate the vegetables: Add the sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, corn, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the slow cooker, layering them for even cooking.
Mix in the broth and spices: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are submerged for even cooking.
Cook: Cover and let the stew cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The stew is ready when the chicken is tender and the sweet potatoes are soft, with a fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
Shred the chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken pieces, shred them with two forks, and return them to the stew. This adds more flavor and allows the chicken to absorb the spices even further.
Finish and serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the stew into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired, for a vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken stew turns out perfectly, consider these tips:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain flavor and texture.
Make-ahead: Prepare the ingredients the night before, and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker and set it to cook, making meal prep a breeze.
Avoid common mistakes: Ensure not to overfill your slow cooker, as this can affect cooking times. Also, resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as it can release heat and extend cooking time unnecessarily.
Pro technique: Browning the chorizo before adding it to the slow cooker intensifies its flavor. You can also sauté the onions and garlic in the same skillet for an extra depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken, Chorizo and Sweet Potato Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Encourage your family to gather around the table and enjoy the warmth of this hearty stew. Your taste buds deserve this experience, so don’t hesitate to give it a try! Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, as we love to hear from our readers.