Spanish chicken recipe slow cooker | A flavorful and easy homemade dish

A flavorful Spanish chicken slow cooker dish.

In Spain, food is more than just sustenance; it's an experience that connects us with family, friends, and even memories of past gatherings. The Spanish chicken recipe I’m about to share is one of those meals that evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of togetherness. It's a simple, yet flavorful dish that perfectly represents the heart of Spanish gastronomy, and the best part is, you can make it in a slow cooker.

Cooking this Spanish recipe slow cooker allows me to bring the authentic flavors of Spain into any kitchen, even when life is busy. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, leaving you with a mouth-watering meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner with friends or serving it as a weeknight family meal, this Spanish recipe chicken will surely leave everyone satisfied and coming back for seconds. Now, let’s dive into this homemade and easy-to-prepare recipe that’s packed with rich Spanish flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 4 chicken breasts)

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, for authentic Spanish flavor)

• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for serving)

Preparation

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken thighs (or breasts) with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. I like to give them a generous rub, making sure the seasoning is well-distributed across all sides of the chicken. The combination of smoked paprika and cumin will add a rich depth of flavor that’s signature to many spanish recipes.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions turn translucent. This will bring out the sweetness of the onions and peppers, adding layers of flavor to the dish.

3. Combine in the slow cooker: Next, transfer the sautéed vegetables into your slow cooker. Add the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables, followed by the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and saffron threads (if using). Saffron is a key ingredient in many Spanish recipes, and while it’s optional, I highly recommend it for that authentic flavor and aroma.

4. Add the green olives: Sprinkle the pitted green olives on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. The briny, slightly tangy flavor of the olives will complement the smoky spices and tomatoes beautifully.

5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for about 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender, soaking up all the rich flavors of the broth, vegetables, and spices.

6. Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, check the seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. I like to garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this flavorful spanish chicken recipe over cooked rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

7. Enjoy with loved ones: Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious spanish recipe chicken. The beauty of this dish is that it can be shared with loved ones, whether at a casual dinner or a more formal gathering.

The aroma that fills the kitchen while it cooks slowly is bound to make everyone excited for the meal, and the flavors will not disappoint. Bon appétit, or as we say in Spain, ¡Buen provecho!