Slow cooker chicken chorizo sweet potato stew is a comforting, flavour-packed family dinner made with tender chicken thighs, smoky chorizo, sweet potatoes and a rich tomato sauce. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, this hearty slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal planning and cosy evenings at home.
The combination of warming spices, juicy chicken and naturally sweet vegetables creates a deliciously satisfying stew. It’s easy to prepare, uses minimal added oil and makes a wonderful homemade dinner for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Chorizo Stew
- Easy to prepare: Just a little preparation before the slow cooker does most of the work.
- Full of flavour: Smoky chorizo, paprika, garlic and warming spices create a deliciously rich sauce.
- A satisfying family dinner: Tender chicken and sweet potatoes make this a comforting, filling meal.
- Minimal added oil: A small amount of olive oil spray is all you need to get started.
- Perfect for meal prep: The flavours develop beautifully, making leftovers delicious the following day.
- Flexible cooking times: Cook it slowly throughout the day or use the higher setting when you’re short on time.
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray
- 80g chorizo sausage, diced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 8 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (approximately 1kg), with visible fat removed
- 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon mild chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 400g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 240ml chicken stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped, to garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chorizo Sweet Potato Stew
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo and Aromatics
Lightly coat a non-stick frying pan with olive oil spray and place it over a medium-high heat.
Add the diced chorizo and cook for a few minutes until it begins to turn golden and release its smoky flavour.
Stir in the sliced onion and crushed garlic, cooking until the onion starts to soften and becomes fragrant.
Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker, including any flavourful juices left in the pan.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker along with the cubed sweet potatoes and chopped tomatoes.
Add the paprika, cumin, mild chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano and tomato purée.
Pour in the chicken stock and gently stir the sauce and vegetables, making sure the chicken is well coated in the seasoned tomato mixture.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook using one of the following settings:
- Low: Approximately 6 hours.
- High: Approximately 3 hours.
The stew is ready when the chicken is thoroughly cooked, tender and reaches a safe internal temperature of 75°C. The sweet potatoes should be soft but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Sprinkle over the freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
Serve warm, with plenty of the rich tomato and chorizo sauce spooned over the chicken and sweet potatoes.
Best Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Chorizo Sweet Potato Stew
Choose skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs stay tender during slow cooking and provide plenty of flavour. Removing the skin and visible fat keeps the finished dish lighter without sacrificing taste.
Use chorizo for flavour rather than quantity. A relatively small amount adds a delicious smoky richness throughout the stew.
Cut the sweet potatoes evenly. Similar-sized cubes help them cook at the same rate and prevent some pieces from becoming too soft.
Avoid adding too much stock. Slow cookers retain moisture, and the chicken, tomatoes and vegetables release additional liquid as they cook.
Adjust the sauce if needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid towards the end of cooking if your slow cooker instructions allow, or transfer some sauce to a saucepan and reduce it gently.
What to Serve with Chicken, Chorizo and Sweet Potato Stew
This hearty chicken and sweet potato stew is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a few simple sides.
Steamed broccoli, green beans or roasted courgettes are excellent choices for adding extra vegetables and freshness to the meal.
For something more substantial, serve smaller portions of the stew alongside fluffy rice, couscous or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the smoky tomato sauce.
A crisp green salad with a light lemon dressing also works beautifully alongside the warm, comforting flavours.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Allow the stew to cool promptly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Once cooled, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Defrost frozen portions thoroughly in the refrigerator, then reheat until piping hot throughout. Stir gently to distribute the heat evenly.
For best results, avoid reheating the same portion more than once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes. Skinless chicken breast can be used, although it is leaner and may become dry during long cooking. Check for doneness earlier and make sure the chicken reaches 75°C in the centre.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
No. Browning the chicken is optional for this recipe. Cooking the chorizo, onion and garlic first helps develop flavour before everything goes into the slow cooker.
Can I make this chicken and chorizo stew without sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. You can replace the sweet potatoes with butternut squash, carrots or a combination of vegetables. Cooking times and the texture of the finished stew may vary.
Is this chicken and sweet potato stew suitable for meal prep?
Yes. This stew is a convenient make-ahead meal because it can be divided into individual portions and refrigerated or frozen for another day.
Can I make this stew less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the chilli powder or leave it out completely. The paprika and chorizo will still provide plenty of delicious smoky flavour.
A Comforting Slow Cooker Dinner for the Whole Family
Whether you’re looking for an easy midweek dinner, a warming autumn meal or a satisfying recipe to prepare ahead, this slow cooker chicken, chorizo and sweet potato stew is a wonderful choice.
With tender chicken, naturally sweet vegetables and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s a simple way to enjoy a comforting homemade dinner with minimal effort.
