Slow Cooker Massale Chicken for a Simple Weeknight Meal Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper color and flavor, you can briefly sear the chicken thighs in a skillet over high heat before placing them in the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds a nice caramelized edge to the skin that carries through the entire dish during the long, slow braising process.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and potatoes once finished and stir the sauce over medium-high heat in a saucepan for a few minutes.

This simple reduction technique concentrates the flavors of the crushed tomatoes and spices, creating a more intense, restaurant-quality finish for your meal.

Variations

• Vegetable Medley: Add sliced carrots or bell peppers along with the potatoes for extra color and texture. These vegetables hold up well to the long cooking time and absorb the massale spices beautifully.
• Spicy Version: Incorporate a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a finely diced fresh chili pepper during the layering step to add a noticeable heat that complements the aromatic massale spice.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming hot throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the fridge to maintain safety and quality.

When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated through to a steaming temperature throughout.

You can prepare the ingredients and store them in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator overnight. Simply remove the insert from the fridge and place it directly into the slow cooker base in the morning.

Note that you may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold starting temperature.

Serving ideas

Serve the massale chicken hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a large serving platter.

The dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed basmati rice or warm flatbread, which are perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato-based sauce that develops during the cooking process.

Garnish the final dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if desired, although the dish is rich and flavorful enough to stand on its own. Ensure each serving includes a portion of the tender potatoes and onions to balance the richness of the chicken thighs.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Massale Chicken for a Simple Weeknight Meal

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 thighs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onions, diced
• 2 tbsp massale spice
• 15 oz crushed tomatoes

Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer to promote consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the cubed potatoes and diced onions over the chicken. Sprinkle the massale spice evenly across the surface of the vegetables and chicken, then pour the crushed tomatoes over the top to submerge the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute properly throughout the meat.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32.5 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

5 g

Sodium

480 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.