Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potatoes – Simple, Comforting, and Satisfying

This is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel easy. Tender chicken, creamy sweet potatoes, and warm spices come together with almost no effort. You set it up in the morning, and dinner is ready when you are.

It’s hearty, naturally sweet, and full of cozy flavors. Best of all, it’s a one-pot recipe that tastes like you fussed over it, even though you didn’t.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potatoes - Simple, Comforting, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for depth)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lemon or 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Optional add-ins: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup baby spinach, or 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

 

• Layer the base: Add sweet potatoes and sliced onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a bed that keeps the chicken elevated and helps everything cook evenly.
• Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in tomato paste for extra richness if you like.
• Season the chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl and coat it with the seasoning mixture. Make sure each piece is well covered.
• Add the liquids: Pour the chicken broth over the sweet potatoes and onions. Nestle the seasoned chicken on top.
• Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sweet potatoes are soft but not falling apart.
• Finish with acidity: When done, stir in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Optional greens: If adding spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes until wilted. Add bell peppers during the final hour if you prefer them tender-crisp.
• Taste and adjust: Check for seasoning and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does the work while you get on with your day.
• Balanced flavors: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory, spiced chicken.
• Nutrient-dense: You get lean protein, fiber, and vitamins in one pot.
• Versatile: Works with chicken breasts or thighs, and you can add veggies or swap seasonings easily.
• Great for meal prep: Reheats nicely and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for depth)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lemon or 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Optional add-ins: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup baby spinach, or 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Layer the base: Add sweet potatoes and sliced onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a bed that keeps the chicken elevated and helps everything cook evenly.
2. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.

   Stir in tomato paste for extra richness if you like.

3. Season the chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl and coat it with the seasoning mixture. Make sure each piece is well covered.
4. Add the liquids: Pour the chicken broth over the sweet potatoes and onions. Nestle the seasoned chicken on top.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sweet potatoes are soft but not falling apart.
6. Finish with acidity: When done, stir in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

   This brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.

7. Optional greens: If adding spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes until wilted. Add bell peppers during the final hour if you prefer them tender-crisp.
8. Taste and adjust: Check for seasoning and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.

  Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 60–90 second bursts, stirring between intervals.

Health Benefits

• Lean protein: Chicken offers essential amino acids to support muscle and overall health with relatively low saturated fat, especially if using breasts.
• Fiber and vitamins: Sweet potatoes provide fiber, vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that support eye health and immune function.
• Balanced meal: This dish has protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, so it’s filling and steady on blood sugar compared to refined-carb meals.
• Lower sodium option: Using low-sodium broth and seasoning your own way keeps salt levels in check.
• Anti-inflammatory spices: Paprika, cumin, and cinnamon add flavor while offering beneficial plant compounds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting sweet potatoes too small: Tiny pieces cook fast and turn mushy. Aim for 1.5-inch chunks.
• Skipping salt: Seasoning matters. Without enough salt, the dish can taste flat.

  Adjust at the end if you’re unsure.

• Overcrowding the slow cooker: If it’s packed to the brim, food may steam and turn soggy. Leave a little space at the top.
• Using too little liquid: You need some broth to prevent scorching and help flavors meld. One cup is the sweet spot.
• Overcooking on High: High heat works, but it’s more likely to dry out chicken breasts.

  If using breasts, Low is gentler.

Recipe Variations

• Maple Dijon: Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup to the seasoning. Great with chicken thighs.
• Coconut Curry: Swap broth for 1 cup light coconut milk. Add 1–2 teaspoons curry powder and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

  Stir in spinach at the end.

• Herb and Garlic: Skip cumin and paprika. Use extra thyme, plus 1 teaspoon dried rosemary and a squeeze of lemon.
• Chipotle Lime: Add 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder and finish with lime juice and cilantro for smoky heat.
• Mediterranean: Add olives, cherry tomatoes, oregano, and a splash of red wine vinegar. Garnish with crumbled feta.
• Vegetable boost: Add carrots or parsnips with the sweet potatoes.

  They cook at a similar rate and stay firm.