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This is my Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken Stew bold, warming and packed with deep North African-inspired flavour. Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in smoky harissa, sweet peppers, tomatoes and spices, finished with chickpeas and spinach for texture and balance.
It’s hearty without being heavy, comforting without being stodgy, and comes in under 500 calories with nearly 40g protein per serving.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Big, bold harissa flavour with minimal effort
- High-protein and under 500 calories
- Perfect for batch cooking and meal prep
- Naturally dairy-free
This is one of those slow cooker recipes that feels like you’ve put in far more effort than you actually have. The harissa and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth, the chickpeas add texture and fibre, and the spinach freshens everything up at the end.
Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken Stew
10 minutes
High: 3–4 hours Low: 6–7 hours
4
Slow Cooker
Delicious Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken Stew Recipe
Ingredients
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 red chilli, sliced
100g harissa paste (approx. 3 tbsp)
1 tbsp za’atar seasoning
1 tbsp smoked paprika
600g chicken thighs
1 chicken stock cube, crumbled
1 tsp sugar
2 bell peppers, sliced
400g tin chopped tomatoes
400g chickpeas, drained
2 large handfuls fresh spinach
Salt & pepper
Instructions
Add to slow cooker
Add all ingredients except the chickpeas and spinach. Season well and mix to combine.Cook low and slow
Cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6–7 hours until the chicken is tender.Finish the stew
20 minutes before serving, stir in the chickpeas and spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt and everything to heat through.Serve
Serve with rice or couscous and enjoy.
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THE FULL MACROS READY FOR YOU
CALORIES | 459
UNDER 500 CALORIES PER SERVING
PROTEIN | 39.2G
OVER 35G PROTEIN PER SERVING
CARBS | 30G
UNDER 35G CARBS PER SERVING
FAT | 16G
UNDER 20G FAT PER SERVING
FIBRE | 7G
OVER 5G FIBRE PER SERVING
A high-protein, fibre-rich stew that delivers warmth and comfort in every bite.
Why choose this Slow Cooker Harissa Chicken Stew Recipe?
HIGH PROTEIN RECIPE
EASY TO COOK IN THE SLOW COOKER
HIGH FIBRE RECIPE
UNDER 500 CALORIES
Swaps & Upgrades
Make it milder by reducing harissa
Add sweet potato for extra substance
Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast
Stir through Greek yoghurt for creaminess
Add fresh coriander before serving
Serve with cauliflower rice for lower carbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is harissa very spicy?
It can be medium-hot. Adjust the amount depending on your preference.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier in slow cooking.
Can I cook it overnight?
Yes use the Low setting for 6–7 hours.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
Not necessary — the slow cooker will do the work.
How to thicken the sauce?
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes or add 1 tsp cornflour mixed with water.
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More Recipes at Archer Kitchen
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