Slow Cooker Pear and Honey Chicken Tagine Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add an extra layer of complexity, consider toasting the cinnamon and ginger in a dry pan for a minute before adding them to the slow cooker.

This process releases the essential oils in the spices, resulting in a more pronounced aroma and flavor. However, ensure the spices do not burn during this quick toasting phase to avoid a bitter aftertaste.

The sauce can be reduced after cooking if a thicker consistency is desired. Simply transfer the liquid to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for several minutes until it reaches your preferred thickness.

This concentrated sauce can then be drizzled over the chicken and pears right before serving to enhance the visual appeal and intensity of the dish.

Variations

• Spicy Tagine: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa paste to the broth mixture for a gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the honey and pears.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds or chopped pistachios over the finished dish before serving to add a pleasant, crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft chicken.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature, but never leave it out for more than 2 hours.

Properly stored, the tagine can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated thoroughly until piping hot throughout to maintain quality and safety.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Simply prepare the tagine as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to eat. This makes it a convenient option for meal planning or hosting gatherings.

Serving ideas

Serve this tagine hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy couscous or basmati rice, which are perfect for soaking up the delicious honey-infused sauce. The sweetness of the pears pairs beautifully with the savory chicken, making it a complete meal that requires only a simple green salad on the side to provide a crisp contrast to the tender textures.

For an elegant presentation, garnish the dish with a few fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The vibrant green color provides a beautiful visual contrast to the golden, glazed chicken and pears.

Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a large, shallow serving platter to highlight the beautiful colors and the inviting, aromatic nature of the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Pear and Honey Chicken Tagine

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

Ingredients

• 4 lb chicken drumsticks
• 2 yellow onions, sliced
• 3 ripe pears, quartered
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken drumsticks in the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the sliced onions and quartered pears on top of the chicken to ensure even cooking.
2. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and ground ginger over the chicken, onions, and pears. Pour the chicken broth mixed with honey over the ingredients to create the braising liquid.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken is finished when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

19 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

450 mg

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